Michael Smith has openly struggled with physical problems over the last few months (Image: GETTY)
has revealed that he destroyed a mural in his house while attempting to throw darts after undergoing treatment for arthritis.
The former world champion has openly struggled with physical problems over the last few months, admitting in January that he was battling a significant shoulder injury in addition to arthritis.
He was dumped out of the recent in the second round, losing at the hands of Kevin Doets, and was later dropped from the Premier League line-up for 2025.
Opening up on his injury struggles ahead of the UK Open this weekend, Smith said: “I’ve had cortisone injections in my wrist three weeks ago. My hand is fine at the minute.
The former world champion destroyed a mural in his house after undergoing treatment (Image: GETTY)
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
“It was a bit sore on the joint. First of all, I threw a dart and it missed the board at home and hit the mural which I’ve just painted in my games room, so that was fun.
“Right now it’s fine. For the last week and a half I’ve been able to practice for four hours a day, which I’ve not been able to do for the last 12 weeks. I’ve had the arthritis for years. The worst thing has been going to Minehead because it’s so cold there.
“So many times I’ve said online that the cold affects me and everyone says it’s the same for all the players. It’s not really for me because it gets to my wrist. I’ve got one of the best hand people in the country with me, so it’s helping me.”
Opening up on what caused his shoulder injury, Smith explained: “I did that on Christmas Day. I bought the kids two scooters. I thought I’d race one of them. I went over what I thought was a puddle, it was actually a pothole.
Don’t miss… [EXCLUSIVE]
“I’ve hit that at 22mph, straight over the handlebars and hit my shoulder into the floor. I couldn’t pick my arm up for seven weeks. I also had a big cut. Even now I’ve still got a bit of bone sticking out in my shoulder.”
Smith added that he has recruited a high-profile physio in an attempt to speed up his recovery and leave his injury troubles firmly behind him.
“I’ve got physio Ben Thompson working with me,” he said. “My wife Dagmara met Ben at the Manchester Premier League a while back.
“It’s mad that he’ll come to me after doing [Erling] Haaland’s legs or [Phil] Foden’s and then be working on my back and shoulders! Ben who works with me says it’s more common in rugby, it’s the joint between your collarbone and shoulder.
“It’s called the AC for short [acromioclavicular]. That’s moved and sticks out. I’m told that will never go away now.”