Adam Thomas, the Waterloo Road and Emmerdale actor, has spoken out about his recent health diagnosis as he turned 35, ahead of his upcoming Strictly Come Dancing debut.

The actor, 35, celebrated his birthday with a post on Instagram as he shared a snap of himself with his wife, Caroline, and their two children, son Teddy and daughter, Elsie-Rose.

In the post, the star revealed that he has been told that he has Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Adam wrote in his caption: "Well it’s my birthday tomorrow and I turn 35!! How did that happen, does this mean I should stop acting like a kid now haha

"As much as I act like a kid, my body is telling another story…I’ve been in a lot of pain since January, it started with my knees and then traveled to my wrists, fingers and now ankles and toes. I never knew what was happening and finally after several blood tests and back and forth to doctors and hospitals, I’ve been diagnosed with rheumatoid Arthritis!"

He continued: "I thought that was something people, later on in there life get… but that’s not the case, clearly!

"It’s been a tough old year but … Finally I’m on the right plan now! Finally getting it under control. For now! But some days are better than others and am not going to lie, it’s been hard not being able to train properly, it’s has had a huge knock on effect for me personally, but not only that for my family too!!"

But what exactly is the condition and what are the symptoms?

What is Rheumatoid arthritis?

According to the NHS, Rheumatoid arthritis is a long-term condition that causes pain, swelling and stiffness in the joints. The condition usually affects the hands, feet and wrists.

There may be periods where symptoms become worse, known as flare-ups or flares.

Some people with rheumatoid arthritis also experience problems in other parts of the body, or more general symptoms such as tiredness and weight loss.

What causes the condition?

The condition is an autoimmune disease, which means your immune system (which usually fights infection) attacks the cells that line your joints by mistake, making the joints swollen, stiff and painful.

The NHS states that you're at an increased risk of the condition if you have a family history of rheumatoid arthritis or you smoke.

Symptoms

The main symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis are joint pain, swelling and stiffness. It may also cause more general symptoms, and inflammation in other parts of the body.

Additional symptoms include:

• tiredness and a lack of energy
• a high temperature
• sweating
• a poor appetite
• weight loss

Treatment

While there's no cure for rheumatoid arthritis, early treatment options include medicine, lifestyle changes, supportive treatments and surgery which can reduce the risk of joint damage and limit the impact of the condition.

There are also medicines available to help stop rheumatoid arthritis from getting worse.

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