World Darts Championship 2026: Michael Smith Feels Pain Free for the First Time in Four Years

Former world champion Michael Smith has revealed how cortisone injections have allowed him to play pain-free for the first time in four years, following his first-round victory over Women’s World Matchplay champion Lisa Ashton at the 2026 World Darts Championship.

Earlier this year, Smith disclosed he had been diagnosed with severe osteoarthritis affecting his left leg, right shoulder, and right wrist, his throwing arm. 

The incurable condition threatened to derail his career, but the injections have provided a much-needed reprieve.

Pain-Free at Last

“I don't think I've been paying free for the last four years. Even when I won the worlds, I've always had the problem with my wrist. It is a massive leap to be pain free,” Smith told SportsBoom.co.uk. 

"It did take two injections of cortisone, in my ankle, and my right hand."

"I do need it in my right foot and my shoulder, but it was never causing the issue."

"I think it's just the way I've been walking for the last five months. Now being able working walk normal instead of flat footed and limping. It's getting the joint moving again in the right foot. So, it doesn't need it."

Smith explained that cortisone relief can be unpredictable.

“Cortisone normally lasts about three or four months. The first one could be a lot longer, but I could be sat here in 10 days saying it's killing now it's worn off. It’s how long that piece of string is."

"But at the minute I'm in a good place, pain-free, mentally strong and look forward to the next round.”

Physical Recovery Matches Mental Strength

The injections have not only eased Smith’s physical pain but also allowed him to regain mobility, which complements his relentless mindset.

"Last week when I got my injections, two days later I started skipping, started running up and down stairs. It was unreal.”

"Just to have that release of pain was the best feeling ever. So, I'm there physically now."

Despite the physical challenges, Smith says his mental resilience has never wavered.

"I've never doubted the mental side of it and if I can keep going, who knows.”

"Mentally, I've always been a hundred percent. I think you've known that for the last 18 years in the PDC I've always been fighting."

No Breaks, No Shoulder Replacement

Having endured years of pain, Smith was asked whether he had considered a break from darts. 

For the “Bully Boy,” this is simply not an option.

"I've never had the conversation about taking a break. If they told [doctors] me, I needed a break, I'd tell 'em I won't be coming back."

"Especially with my shoulder, there was talks about a shoulder replacement. That's not going to happen. If I had that, that's a year out. Plus, then a year trying to get back to where I could be means I lose my tour card and then trying to get back to where it was, that's not happening."

"I'd rather do all that stuff when I retire. So, I'd never ever talk about taking a break."

"I could have took a break for the last 12 months. I never did; that's not in my nature.”

Eyes on the Long Game

Smith remains ambitious, with plans to keep competing at the highest level for many more years.

"The goals have always been to win tournaments."

"If I make the final, and I got beat, I'll be upset because it's another loss.”

“I found out today it's my 15th year [at the world championship], so I want to get to 30 worlds. So, I've got another 15 years left at least in the PDC."

"That'll take me to I'm 50 years old, but things could change if I win it this week,” he joked.

"But the plan is I want to do at least 30 world championships."