Craig Revel Horwood health: Strictly judge’s pain got ‘progressively worse’ – symptoms

We will use your email address only for sending you newsletters. Please see our Privacy Notice for details of your data protection rights.

Craig Revel Horwood’s dancing credentials help to explain why his praise is highly coveted on Strictly Come Dancing. The strictly judge has mastered multiple disciplines, from ballroom dancing to choreography and theatre direction. What strictly fans may not know about Craig is that for years he suffered with a hip injury that eventually alerted him to a serious condition.

It all started with a “dull” pain in both his hips that began during his panto years.

Craig initially dismissed the pain as a product of his intensive dancing regime and pressed on with his hip injury.

Yet the decision to persevere worsened his condition and put his hip out ahead of an upcoming panto run.

Recalling that period, he said to the Mirror: “I couldn’t pull out of the panto so I was popping ­painkillers and having a three-hour massage every other day. I assumed it was ligament damage and nothing to do with bone.

“Even so, by the time the Strictly tour was over in the spring, I knew something was really wrong as the pain had got progressively worse.”

Craig went to see a specialist and had an X-Ray and MRI scan, and was “stunned” when the doctor delivered the fateful diagnosis.

The strictly judge was told he had osteoarthritis and needed a hip replacement – at the time he was only 48.

He explained: “Basically, I had worn out both hip joints from dancing and ballet, and it was made worse by the fact that I have arthritis. My mother suffers from ­rheumatoid arthritis but I have ­osteoarthritis.”

DON’T MISS
Hair loss treatment: Apple cider vinegar could ward off bacteria and increase hair growth [TIPS]
The smelly symptom of Parkinson’s disease that you shouldn’t ignore – when to see a doctor [INSIGHT]
Prostate cancer: Experiencing any of these peculiar toilet habits could be an early sign [ADVICE]

He highlighted the irony of being patron of the National Osteoporosis Society yet his career pursuits put undue pressure on his bones.

As a result of his osteoarthritis, Craig underwent hip resurfacing; a type of hip replacement which replaces the surfaces of the hip joint.

What is osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis in the UK, affecting nearly nine million people.

Osteoarthritis initially affects the smooth cartilage lining of the joint. “This makes movement more difficult than usual, leading to pain and stiffness,” explains the NHS.

According to the health body, the main symptoms of osteoarthritis are joint pain and stiffness, and problems moving the joint.

“Some people also have symptoms such as swelling, tenderness, grating or crackling sound when moving the affected joints,” says the health body.

It adds: “You should see your GP if you have persistent symptoms of osteoarthritis so they can confirm the diagnosis and prescribe any necessary treatment.”

How to alleviate symptoms

Unfortunately, osteoarthritis cannot be cured but you can minimise the impact of symptoms by committing to a healthy lifestyle.

“A good diet and regular exercise will help keep muscles strong and control your weight, which is good for osteoarthritis and also has other health benefits,” explains the NHS.

According to the health body, as long as you do the right type and level of exercise for your condition, your arthritis won’t get any worse.

“Combined with a healthy, balanced diet, regular exercise will help you lose weight and place less strain on your joints,” the health site explains.

It adds: “Your GP can recommend the type and level of exercise that’s right for you.”

Source: Read Full Article