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

08/28/2026

Where your hurts can tell us a lot, but it’s only part of the picture.

Achilles tendinopathy can involve different areas of the tendon and may occur alongside degeneration, calcification, partial tearing or a Haglund deformity.

Understanding the specific problem through a careful examination and appropriate imaging helps guide treatment, from nonsurgical options to surgery when necessary.

When it comes to Achilles pain, the right diagnosis matters.

Achilles Tendon Specialists Have you experienced a recent ankle injury that resulted in pain or swelling above and around the ankle? If so, you may have experienced an injury to the Achilles tendon. Injuries to this tendon can occur in athletes and non-athletes who participate in activities

08/26/2026

Claw toes are more than a change in how your toes look. When the toes become bent into an abnormal position, they can cause pain and make wearing shoes uncomfortable.

Common symptoms include:
• Painful or curled toes
• Blisters or corns from rubbing against shoes
• Forefoot pain from changes in how pressure is distributed across the foot

If you notice these symptoms, an evaluation can help determine whether you have a flexible or rigid deformity and what treatment may be appropriate.

Claw Toe Specialists Have you noticed your toes flexing and curling inward? This may be due to a condition called claw toes. This condition can cause discomfort and difficulty walking in those affected. Foot and ankle specialists, Doctors Thomas Haytmanek and Jonathon Backus provide diagnosis as wel...

08/25/2026

When treating an unstable ankle syndesmosis, fixation is about more than holding the bones in position.

The TightRope™ Implant is designed to provide:
• Improved reduction compared with syndesmosis screws
• Flexible, sustained alignment
• Earlier weight-bearing
• Less healing time before return to sport
• No routine hardware removal

The goal: stable alignment that supports recovery. https://sportsfootankle.com/syndesmosis-tightrope-implant-ankle-fracture-vail-co/

For more information, you can also check out these studies:
1. https://sportsfootankle.com/biomechanical-analysis-of-the-individual-ligament-contributions-to-syndesmotic-stability/

2. https://sportsfootankle.com/3d-model-analysis-of-ankle-flexion-on-anatomic-reduction-of-a-syndesmotic-injury/

3. https://sportsfootankle.com/syndesmotic-suture-button-fixation-results-in-higher-tegner-activity-scale-scores-when-compared-to-screw-fixation-a-multicenter-investigation/

Ankle Surgeons Are you an athlete who participates in sports that involve jumping, landing or running? If so, you may be at a higher risk of sustaining a syndesmosis injury of the ankle. A new advancement in treating severe ankle sprains and fractures has been

08/21/2026

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

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

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,....

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

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