May is Arthritis Awareness Month – a time dedicated to shining a light on one of the most common and life-altering health conditions in the United States. Arthritis is the nation’s leading cause of disability, impacting millions of people every day. At Central Indiana Orthopedics, we see firsthand how osteoarthritis affects our patients, and we remain committed to guiding them toward relief through education, compassionate care and advanced treatment options.
As part of our ongoing efforts and in support of the Arthritis Foundation, we are honored to celebrate Dr. P. Jamieson Kay as a Medical Honoree at the Arthritis Foundation’s 2025 Bone Bash fundraiser later this year. Dr. Kay, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon who is also certified in Mako SmartRobotics™ surgical technology, not only offers expertise in treating hip and knee arthritis but also has a personal connection to the joint replacement process. As a Mako patient himself, having undergone two knee replacements, Dr. Kay brings both clinical expertise and personal insight to the fight against arthritis.
During the nomination process for this honor, we invited Central Indiana Orthopedics patients to share stories about how their lives have been transformed through arthritis treatment and how our physicians have helped them return to the activities they love. We were deeply moved by the heartfelt testimonials, which spoke of renewed mobility, pain-free living and the gratitude patients felt for the care that truly made a difference in their lives.
This Arthritis Awareness Month, we invite you to reflect on the strength and resilience of those living with arthritis and the hope that comes from healing. If you or a loved one is ready to take the next step toward managing arthritis pain, call us at 800-622-6575 or visit ciocenter.com.
Together, we can take steps toward a future with less pain and more possibility.
Want to hear more from our patients?
Check out the reviews below to read about the successful outcomes from others who’ve conquered their arthritis pain and regained their quality of life.
“Dr. Aaron Baessler is one of the more professional and caring doctors I’ve met in my life. He’s a caring human being who only wants the best for his patients. Did I mention that he’s very much the professional? I never worried about his ability to put my shoulder back together.” – Patient Review
“I had damaged tendons in both feet due to inflammatory arthritis. I had been walking with pain for several years before seeing Dr. Adam Lyon. He did reconstructive surgery on both of my feet, and now I have no pain when I walk. He truly changed my life, and for that, I am very thankful.” – Patient Review
“Dr. Brent Damer was the surgeon for both my hip replacements. I have been a college soccer referee for over 400 matches since he replaced my hips. Dr. Damer is full of compassion and care for his patients.” – Patient Review
“Extremely knowledgeable. Took the time to deal with my problem(s) individually and not just as another patient with a textbook treatment. Felt like he really cared about the treatment, my options, recovery, and outcome. I would highly recommend Dr. Brian Badman to anyone needing treatment and/or surgery!” – Patient Review
“I had suffered from hip and knee pain for over 10 years, and no one was willing to treat it because of my age. Someone suggested Dr. Brian Camilleri, and for the first time in years, I finally found someone who would listen and help me take care of my chronic pain! Along the way, I have had several other diagnoses from other specialists, and any time I mention one to him, he goes out of his way to research those conditions and how they affect my joints and treatment! Not many doctors will do that these days, so it’s refreshing to find one who will!” – Patient Review
“Dr. Francesca Tekula diagnosed a problem I was facing after several MRIs on areas which were not the root cause. After getting the proper MRI, she quickly saw me in the office to speak of a plan of action. I went to surgery 3 days later with no complications. The surgery line isn’t very visible, and the healing process was quick. Dr. Tekula is patient, precise, and caring.” – Patient Review
“Dr. John Martin is a total rockstar. He’s a talented surgeon but also very relatable with excellent bedside manner. Not only do his patients love him, but the nurses at the hospital that work with him love him as well and appreciate him and his kindness. I’m thankful for Dr. Martin. He did two of my knee replacements last year and gave me my life back.” – Patient Review
“Dr. Jonathan Chae did two reverse shoulder replacements for me—15 months apart. My pain is gone, and my range of motion is greatly improved. Dr. Chae was always patient, kind, and respectful. He explained the procedure very well and provided excellent follow-up care. Eternally grateful!” – Patient Review
“The intensity of spinal pain was so great I could barely move, let alone walk. Dr. Joseph Duncan diagnosed the cause of this intense pain and scheduled surgery for a laminectomy. The procedure was successful, the recuperation as explained, and I am back to resuming my normal activities.” – Patient Review
“Dr. Joseph Jerman is the only orthopedic doctor that I would trust with my knee. And having a total knee replacement at 52 was the best decision I could have ever made. I’ve become more active and pain-free since then.” – Patient Review
“Dr. Li Chen is a caring doctor who actually listens to me, my husband, and our adult son. He performed a fusion on my left index finger several years ago, and 2 weeks ago he operated on my right ring finger. The underlying cause is severe osteoarthritis; every joint in my hands is enlarged. Dr. Chen gives me injections when the pain and swelling become severe. I trust his judgment on my treatment. Thank you, Dr. Chen!” – Patient Review
“Dr. Nicholas Cook did surgery on my left hand a little over a year ago and then my right hand three months ago. I could not do daily tasks without severe pain. I could not use my hands without pain or a brace. I am now pain-free and brace-free. It has been life-changing. His staff, as well as the physical and occupational therapists, were tremendous in helping me get to this point.” – Patient Review
“I had total knee replacement, and Dr. Nimu Surtani, his PA Greg, and the entire staff were there for me from beginning until the end. Every question was answered, and any problem was resolved. Very thorough. Exceptional care.” – Patient Review
“Dr. Jamie Kay replaced both of my knees and has also treated a lot of my family members for orthopedic issues. He is always professional and is the most caring doctor with outstanding outcomes. We need more doctors like him in the medical field. Highly recommend him and Central Indiana Orthopedics!!” – Patient Review
“I had a partial knee replacement by Dr. Ryan Cieply in October 2023. I had tried anti-inflammatories, injections, rest, and ice with no relief. When I was unable to keep up with my grandson, I consulted with Dr. Cieply and he recommended a partial knee replacement. This surgery has absolutely changed my life. I am now able to keep up with my grandson, walk long distances, and exercise with absolutely no pain. I am so happy with my new knee and the wonderful care I received from Dr. Cieply!” – Patient Review
“Dr. Ryan Jaggers performed surgery on my right knee due to osteoarthritis. I have several medical complexities, and I was concerned about all of that along with the surgery. He kept me overnight in the hospital because he felt like it was warranted. It calmed a lot of my fears knowing that I would know how all my new medications would interact with the pain meds, etc. I am so thankful that he cared about not only doing the surgery, but me as a person and about MY medical history. He wasn’t just trying to get through a certain number of surgeries, but cared about the individual patient.” – Patient Review
“Dr. Scott Waterman first of all treated me with the utmost dignity and respect. I had troubles early on in life, and he was having to play catch-up to fix all my knee issues. He is outstanding in speaking in terms I understood, answering all my questions, and did everything he could to help me. Dr. Waterman is a perfect example of a great doctor and surgeon.” – Patient Review
“Dr. Stanton Wilhite has a quiet, comforting manner. Knowledgeable. Very good at helping guide one through the entire process from surgery to healing.” – Patient Review
“Dr. Steven Herbst took both of my feet, which were damaged at birth and further in adolescence through dance (pointe) and sports, and he healed them. He is also one of the most compassionate and understanding humans out there. He’s truly one of the ‘helpers’ Mr. Rogers talks about, whether it’s his patients locally or one of his traditional mission trips. We love Dr. Herbst!” — Patient Review
“Dr. Thomas Salsbury has given me several injections in my shoulders, trying to prevent me from having surgery. Most doctors push to do surgery instead of trying alternatives first. The time has finally come, and I am having surgery in April by Dr. Salsbury to remove the arthritis from my shoulder that is causing the severe pain. Thank you, Dr. Salsbury, for letting ME make the decision on what is best.” – Patient Review