C. Thomas Haytmanek, MD & Jonathon Backus, MD - Sports Foot & Ankle

C. Thomas Haytmanek, MD & Jonathon Backus, MD - Sports Foot & Ankle Dr. Haytmanek and Dr. Backus are orthopaedic surgeons dedicated to the treatment of foot and ankle sports injuries at The Steadman Clinic in Vail, Colorado.

08/21/2026
That ankle sprain that “got better” may not be completely healed.Some patients continue to experience ankle pain, swelli...
08/20/2026

That ankle sprain that “got better” may not be completely healed.

Some patients continue to experience ankle pain, swelling, or difficulty returning to activities months after an injury. In some cases, the problem is deeper inside the joint. Osteochondral lesions of the talus involve damage to the cartilage and underlying bone that may not heal on its own.

Finding the injury is only part of the process. The right treatment depends on understanding the size and stability of the damage, your activity goals, and how the ankle is functioning.

The goal is not just to treat an MRI finding. The goal is to help you get back to the activities you love.

Learn more 👇

Osteochondral Injuries Specialists Adolescents and young adults can be prone to a specific type of ankle injury which can lead to ankle can lead to an osteochondral lesion, sometimes called osteochondritis dissecans (OCD). These types of injuries involve the bone and the cartilage of the ankle and

Could you be a candidate for total ankle replacement? The answer depends on many factors, not just ankle pain.Our specia...
08/18/2026

Could you be a candidate for total ankle replacement? The answer depends on many factors, not just ankle pain.

Our specialists evaluate your health, lifestyle, activity goals, X-rays, and ankle alignment to determine whether the INBONE Total Ankle System may be an appropriate option.

Complex Ankle Surgeons Are you experiencing joint pain the ankles due to arthritis or a degenerative disease? If so, you may be a candidate for an INBONE Total Ankle Replacement. This is an advanced, specialized hardware that is used to replace the damaged ankle. INBONE hardware can

Two people can have the same Achilles injury and need completely different treatment plans.Why? Because every patient ha...
08/14/2026

Two people can have the same Achilles injury and need completely different treatment plans.

Why? Because every patient has different goals.

For one person, getting back to competitive sports may be the priority. For another, it may be returning to work, walking comfortably, or enjoying everyday activities.

Successful Achilles care starts by understanding the person behind the injury. The best outcomes come from a treatment plan built around your life. Learn more ⬇️

Achilles Tendon Surgeons Have you experienced a recent injury to the Achilles tendon? Achilles tendon injuries do not always require surgery, especially if they are treated early. More severe Achilles tendon injuries may required surgery to repair. This procedure is done on an outpatient basis and,....

Hallux rigidus is not just a “big toe arthritis” diagnosis.Every patient has different levels of pain, joint damage, and...
08/12/2026

Hallux rigidus is not just a “big toe arthritis” diagnosis.

Every patient has different levels of pain, joint damage, and activity goals.

Some patients benefit from preserving motion. Others need a more definitive solution for advanced arthritis.

The best surgical plan matches the condition of the joint with what the patient wants to accomplish.

Complex Foot Specialists Do you have a family history of hallux rigidus? Hallux rigidus is a condition of the big toe caused by chronic overuse, injury to the toe, or genetics. This condition can result in pain, swelling, and decreased motor function of the big toe. Severe

That “pebble in your shoe” feeling may be more than an annoyance.Morton’s neuroma can cause burning pain, tingling, numb...
08/11/2026

That “pebble in your shoe” feeling may be more than an annoyance.

Morton’s neuroma can cause burning pain, tingling, numbness, and discomfort in the ball of the foot, especially with tight shoes, prolonged standing, or activity.

A proper diagnosis starts with a careful foot evaluation.

Neuroma Surgeons Are you experiencing numbness or tingling in your toes and/or feet? Do you feel like you are walking with a lump under the ball of your foot? If so, you might have Morton's Neuroma. A neuroma is a benign (non-cancerous) growth or severe scarring

  - Not every case of chronic lateral ankle instability requires the same surgical solution.While the Broström procedure...
08/06/2026

- Not every case of chronic lateral ankle instability requires the same surgical solution.

While the Broström procedure remains the gold standard for restoring ankle stability, the ongoing discussion isn't whether one technique is universally better than another. It's about identifying which approach best matches a patient's anatomy, functional demands, and long-term goals.

That was the focus of a recent case debate at the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM) Annual Meeting, where Dr. Haytmanek discussed the role of Open Broström repair in a high-demand athlete with recurrent ankle instability.

As foot and ankle surgery continues to evolve, thoughtful debate and critical evaluation of the evidence remain essential to improving outcomes for athletes and active patients. https://medilink.us/limt

Steadman Clinic Foot and Ankle Specialist Discusses Open Broström Repair During National Sports Medicine Conference Dr. C. Thomas Haytmanek, fellowship-trained orthopedic foot and ankle surgeon at The Steadman Clinic, recently served as a featured faculty member at the American Orthopaedic Society ...

When an athlete breaks their fibula, the biggest concern is often: “Will I heal?”But the question that matters most is: ...
08/06/2026

When an athlete breaks their fibula, the biggest concern is often: “Will I heal?”

But the question that matters most is: “Will I get back to doing what I love?”

Returning to sports and an active lifestyle requires more than a healed bone. It requires restoring ankle stability, movement, and confidence.

Every step of treatment, from diagnosis to recovery, is designed to help patients rebuild function and return stronger. Learn more ⬇️

Fibula Fracture Specialists Are you involved in aggressive contact sports such as soccer, rugby, and football? If so, you have the highest likelihood of experiencing a fibula fracture. Fibula fractures can cause pain, bruising and difficulty walking. It is important to have a fibular fracture treate...

A fractured talus can cause:· Severe foot and ankle pain· Swelling and tenderness· Inability to bear weight· Visible def...
08/04/2026

A fractured talus can cause:
· Severe foot and ankle pain
· Swelling and tenderness
· Inability to bear weight
· Visible deformity or changes in foot position

Because the talus plays an important role in ankle movement and stability, proper diagnosis and treatment are essential.

If you’ve had a significant ankle injury and cannot walk or bear weight, seek medical evaluation.

Talar Neck Fracture Specialists Do you participate in high-impact sports or activities? If so, you may be at an increased risk of experiencing a talar neck fracture. The talus is the primary ankle bone and is irregularly shaped, with a head, body, and neck. Fractures to the

Address

181 W Meadow Drive #400
Vail, CO
81657

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

+19704761100

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