Darts sensation Michael Smith has shared details about his health struggles that have led to a decline in his rankings.
Despite clinching the World Championship title in 2023 by defeating Michael van Gerwen, Smith now finds himself at the 21st spot globally. His absence from recent tournaments is attributed to various health issues affecting his shoulder, wrist, and foot, which he recently discussed.
The 34-year-old, known as Bully Boy, has been diagnosed with severe osteoarthritis in his shoulder, expressing concerns that his body is deteriorating. While he remains hopeful about returning to top-level darts, he is considering injections as a treatment option, with surgery potentially on the horizon.
In an interview with Online Darts, Smith disclosed, “I received my MRI results for my shoulder, revealing severe osteoarthritis. The next steps involve injections for my shoulder and wrist.” He also acknowledged the possibility of a shoulder replacement in the future, emphasizing that it would only be considered post-retirement.
Reflecting on his foot discomfort, Smith described the challenges he faced before a recent tournament, suspecting gout initially. Despite undergoing tests and treatments, including x-rays and antibiotics, the exact cause of his foot pain remains elusive, leading to speculation about arthritis.
Having been a prominent figure in the darts scene, Smith expressed disappointment at missing out on the World Matchplay qualification for the first time since 2013. He attributed his recent performance setbacks to health issues, acknowledging the need for improved consistency in his game.
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