07 February 2024 , 10:00
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Adam Thomas has admitted he doesn’t want to "suffer in silence" as he opens up about his "hard" battle with arthritis, one year after suffering from the condition.
The Emmerdale star took to Instagram to update followers on his journey with rheumatoid arthritis, a chronic autoimmune and inflammatory disease that causes pain, swelling and stiffness in the joints. The diagnosis was confirmed shortly before he appeared on Strictly Come Dancing, where he performed alongside Luba Mushtuk.
Posting snaps of his hospital visit, Adam wrote: "So been in and out of hospital for a while now, tried all sorts of medications and painkillers. But nothing's really working, so time to try something new." He explained that he has been given a fresh round of steroid injections to "ease the pain and inflammation", while he waits for his new methotrexate prescription.
The actor continued: "It’s been a long and hard battle and as of yet nothing has worked, but I’m hopeful! I’ve suffered just over a year with arthritis and I have to say it’s been the toughest period of my life to date. I’m a firm believer of everything happening for a reason, but I don’t really have the answer to that just yet. If I’m being completely honest… I’m suffering…I don’t think i want to suffer in silence no more."
The diagnosis came after eight months of suffering in agony, which began with shooting pains in his knees, before travelling to his wrists, fingers, ankles and toes. There were some days he could barely walk, and others where he couldn’t get out of bed.
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Symptoms
The warning signs of rheumatoid arthritis can differ from person to person, and develop gradually or over a number of days. The NHS has detailed the most common symptoms of the disease, these include:
Joint pain - usually throbbing and aching
Joint stiffness
Swelling, warmth and redness of the joints
Chest pain
Tiredness and a lack of energy
High temperature
Sweating
Poor appetite
Weight loss
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Dry eyes
What causes rheumatoid arthritis?
The debilitating disease sees your immune system attack the cells that line your joints by mistake. According to the NHS, this causes the thin layer of cells covering the joints to become sore and inflamed, releasing chemicals that damage nearby bones, cartilage, tendons and ligaments.
If the condition is not treated, these chemicals gradually cause the joint to lose its shape and alignment, eventually destroying the joint completely. The reasons why the immune system attacks the joints are unknown, but the health body has highlighted possible risk factors. These include:
Genetics – Evidence suggests rheumatoid arthritis can run in families, but the risk of inheriting it is thought to be low
Hormones - The disease is more common in women, which is believed to be the effects of the hormone oestrogen - but this link is yet to be proved
Smoking – Some research suggests smokers have an increased risk of developing the condition
Prevalence of rheumatoid arthritis in UK
The National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) reports that one percent of the UK population suffer from rheumatoid arthritis - equivalent to 1.5 men and 3.6 women per 10,000 people annually. While onset can strike at any age, it typically peaks in those aged between 30 to 50-years.