World Arthritis Day: Let's Work Together
World Arthritis Day, October 12, 2009, focused on the impact of osteoarthritis in the workplace, whether that happens to be at an office or at home supporting a family. The theme of World Arthritis Day is “Let's Work Together.”
To support World Arthritis Day 2009, the head coach of Duke University’s men’s basketball team, Mike Krzyzewski (Coach K), 61, revealed how close he was to giving up the game he loved because of painful osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis and a leading cause of disability in the U.S.
The Arthritis Foundation ihopes Coach K can inspire and motivate the 27 million Americans affected by osteoarthritis to take control over their condition through physical activity, weight management and a variety of treatment options, depending on the severity of the disease.
Coach K's Story
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.His mobility was so limited, he was unable to stand up with his team for a “hands on” before a game.
“I really came close to retiring from coaching because the pain was getting unbearable both on and off the court, despite daily medications and physical therapy,” said Coach K. “That ‘99 season could very well have been my last if I didn't get help.”
After consultation with his physician, Coach K had his left hip replaced in April 1999. The usual hospital stay for hip replacement is three to five days, and full recovery with rehabilitation and physical therapy typically takes three to six months. Coach K underwent rehabilitation from April to June.
Coach K says by June he was back to doing normal activities, but there was a big difference. He was no longer in pain, no longer walking with a limp and his range of motion had improved. In October of 2000, he was back on the court running up and down the sidelines coaching his heart out. 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.
Get Information About Osteoarthritis
Get the facts about Osteoarthritis.
Learn more about osteoarthritis.
Learn how to live with osteoarthritis.
Find Out About Osteoarthritis Treatments
For more information on hip and knee replacements.
Visit the Surgery Center.
Download fact sheets from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
Get more information about osteoarthritis research.
More About People Who Work & Move with OA
Meet Let’s Move Together bloggers who keep moving.
Keep track of your movement.
Dorothy Hamill, Skating with Osteoarthritis.
Kristin Armstrong, Olympic Gold Medalist Wins With Arthritis.
Have a story like Coach K's? Share Your Story.
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Arthritis Foundation activities associated with World Arthritis Day 2009 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.
