Jimmy Burks has always valued the simple joys in life–taking long daily walks, cheering on the Colts and spending meaningful time with his family. But for much of his adult life, he has also managed the challenges of diabetes. Over the years, the challenges he faced became increasingly serious, including the loss of his eyesight, a heart attack and a stroke that left him without the use of his right arm. Despite all of this, Jimmy worked to remain active and independent for as long as he could.
In early 2024, however, Jimmy faced one of his most difficult diagnoses yet: Charcot foot, a rare and severe complication of diabetes. Because Jimmy had navigated life for nearly a decade without feeling in his legs or feet due to extensive nerve damage, he didn’t realize the bones in his right foot and ankle had collapsed and were deteriorating. His doctor explained that if he had sensation in the foot, the pain would have been excruciating.
Everything changed on June 7, 2024, when Jimmy was placed in a boot and instructed not to put weight on his foot. The daily walks he loved were no longer possible. Outings with his wife, visits with family, even running simple errands—suddenly these meaningful, everyday activities were out of reach. His wife began missing work weekly to take him to medical appointments, and by the end of that year, she made the difficult decision to leave her job to care for him full-time. Jimmy described this time as complicated and frustrating, as the loss of independence took a toll on both of them.
On his birthday in July 2024, Jimmy visited Central Indiana Orthopedics for a consultation with Dr. Stanton Wilhite, a day marked by anxiety and uncertainty. Jimmy and his wife feared what the future might hold, especially after hearing such difficult news from prior appointments elsewhere. But from the moment they met Dr. Wilhite, they felt a sense of comfort. He reassured Jimmy that Charcot foot was not something he caused, and he promised to do everything he could to help save Jimmy’s foot. His willingness to explain every step of the treatment plan and answer every question eased much of the fear Jimmy and his wife carried into the office that day.
Over the next eight months, Jimmy visited CIO weekly. In that time, he grew close to the staff—so much so that he said they began to feel like family. He felt respected, supported, and encouraged through each step of his treatment.
In April 2025, Dr. Wilhite performed reconstructive surgery on Jimmy’s foot, a procedure lasting more than six hours. While the surgery went well, the recovery process brought its own challenges. Jimmy faced complications including a serious infection, hospitalization, nearly a month in a rehab facility and a wound that required several weeks of wound‑vac care. Healing progressed slowly, something Dr. Wilhite continually reassured him was normal for diabetic patients. Eventually, Jimmy was fitted for a special brace he would need to wear for the rest of his life.
In January 2026, Jimmy was referred for custom shoes and inserts—another important milestone in his recovery. Shortly afterward, at his final appointment with Dr. Wilhite, he was scheduled for physical therapy to help him safely transition back into daily activities.
Then came the moment Jimmy had been eagerly anticipating for nearly 20 months: taking his first steps since May 2024.
“It was a real dream come true,” he shared. After almost two years of setbacks, casts, hospital stays, surgeries, and persistent effort, Jimmy was walking again. “It was all worth it in the end,” he said. “I still have my foot, and I’m slowly gaining back my independence.”
Looking back at that first consultation at CIO, Jimmy remembers the fear and sadness he and his wife felt. The possibility of amputation was overwhelming, but they were determined to do everything they could to prevent it. There were moments during treatment when Jimmy considered giving up, but today, he’s grateful he stayed committed.
Jimmy extends a heartfelt thank‑you to Dr. Stanton Wilhite, Kayla and Cooper, who he calls three of his biggest cheerleaders throughout his journey.
Jimmy’s story is a powerful example of how expert care, perseverance and a strong support system can lead to life‑changing outcomes. At Central Indiana Orthopedics, we are proud to support patients like Jimmy as they navigate complex medical challenges and work toward reclaiming the activities they love.
If you’re experiencing foot or ankle pain or are faced with orthopedic complications due to diabetes, our team is here to help you take the first step toward healing. Visit ciocenter.com/contact-us/ or call 800‑622‑6575 to schedule an appointment.