Legendary Coach K Teams up with Arthritis Foundation for World Arthritis Day

Coach K Continues to Be in Great Health After Struggles with Osteoarthritis
Earlier in His Career
NEW YORK--(Business Wire)--
After leading the U.S. men`s basketball team to Olympic gold last year and two
weeks before the start of his 30th season as head coach of Duke University`s
men`s basketball team, Mike Krzyzewski (Coach K), 61, is teaming up with the
Arthritis Foundation to help raise awareness of the disease that nearly ended
his coaching career 10 years ago.

It was during the 1994 season when Coach K first experienced pain and discomfort
in his left hip due to osteoarthritis. Over the next five years, the pain only
got worse and in 1999, at the age of 52, Coach K was walking with a limp and
coaching Duke basketball games from a chair - an unfamiliar sight to those who
had grown accustomed to seeing his active and energetic coaching style.

"Most people know Coach K as a legendary coach and humanitarian, but very few
know the impact osteoarthritis had on his life before he was able to take
control over it," said John H. Klippel, MD, president and CEO of the Arthritis
Foundation. "Unfortunately, many people are not aware of how serious, painful
and life-altering a disease like osteoarthritis can be and what the options are
to prevent or treat it across a continuum of care."

Coach K had his left hip replaced in April 1999 and underwent rehabilitation
from April to June. In June he was back to doing his previous activities and was
no longer in pain, no longer walking with a limp and his range of motion had
improved. In October 2000, he was back on the court running up and down the
sidelines -- he didn`t miss a season. One year later, Coach K led Duke to its
third NCAA national championship further solidifying his reputation as one of
the top college basketball coaches of all time.

In 2002, Coach K had another successful hip replacement and rehabilitation on
his right hip after experiencing similar symptoms. Later that same year he was
back to coaching in one of the best years of his career.

"I wish I had made the decision to have hip replacement sooner. I had exhausted
all the non-surgical options, but still put off the surgery. This cost me some
quality of life and it almost cost me the joys I continue to experience as a
coach."

Osteoarthritis is a chronic condition characterized by the loss of cartilage in
the joint and changes in bone. Mild to moderate osteoarthritis may be managed
with diet and exercise and the occasional use of acetaminophen or non-steroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to help reduce joint pain, stiffness and
swelling. Joint replacement surgery is a consideration for people with advanced
arthritis associated with joint damage, serious limitations in physical mobility
and an overall reduced quality of life.

Arthritis Foundation activities are supported in part by DePuy Orthopaedics,
Inc., a leading global provider of orthopaedic devices for hip, knee,
extremities and trauma, and a Johnson & Johnson company. Coach K is a paid
spokesperson for DePuy Orthopaedics, Inc.

Additional information about the prevention and treatment of osteoarthritis, as
well as Coach K`s story, can be found at www.arthritis.org/world-arthritis-day.

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For BW/MW
Kimberly Muscara-Finnerty, 212-527-7535
kim@compartnersny.com

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