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

11/06/2025

114 hours of running.
5 days of no sleep.
1 last runner standing.
Step inside the 2025 Backyard Ultra World Championship with Swedish veteran photojournalist Jacob Zocherman where endurance becomes art.

Swedish veteran combat photojournalist Jacob Zocherman brings us inside the epic five-day battle at this nutty, last-runner-standing event.

11/04/2025

Achilles tendon ruptures are usually diagnosed clinically. Key steps:
· Palpable tendon gap 2–3 inches above the heel
· Thompson test for plantar flexion
· X-rays if avulsion is suspected

Early evaluation is crucial for proper treatment.

Achilles Tendon Specialists Are you an athlete who participates in skiing, snowboarding, or other similar sports? If so, you may be at an increased risk of developing an Achilles tendon injury, such as an Achilles rupture. Achilles ruptures cause decreased strength in the ankle and may require

10/31/2025

The TightRope™ System is an option for athletes with syndesmotic injuries who want to return to sport faster. Unlike traditional screws, it allows flexible fixation and avoids a second surgery.

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

10/30/2025

Diagnosing a syndesmosis rupture usually involves weight-bearing X-rays and sometimes an MRI. These injuries can be tricky, so expert evaluation is essential.

Syndesmosis Rupture Specialists Are you experiencing pain above the ankle that radiates up the leg, or pain when flexing or rotating the foot? If so, you may have a syndesmosis injury or high ankle sprain. Injuries of this nature can be difficult to diagnose, so it is important that you see our Spec...

10/28/2025

10/24/2025

Not all ankle ligament injuries are the same. A posterior inferior tibiofibular ligament (PITFL) tear affects the back of your ankle, while a deltoid ligament injury impacts the inner side.

Proper diagnosis and treatment from an ankle specialist are important to get you back on your feet safely.

Ankle Ligament Tear and High Ankle Sprain Specialists The posterior inferior tibiofibular ligament (PITFL) and the deltoid ligament are located on the outside and inside of the ankle and are responsible for stabilization. PITFL sprains typically occur with grade III “high” ankle sprains and may ...

10/23/2025

Jessica "Stitches" Guo just hiked 3,600 miles in five months and is the first woman ever to do it! Her feet and ankles carried her through it all. Respect the foundation that carries you!

After collapsing into tears at the trail terminus, the 30-year-old hiker welcomed her birthday with Oreos

10/21/2025

That stabbing pain in your heel isn’t just discomfort, it could be plantar fasciitis. Understanding the symptoms is the first step toward relief.

Plantar Fasciitis Specialists Are you an athlete who frequently participates in high-action sports? If so, you may be at an increased risk of experiencing plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis is a common condition of the foot where damage or inflammation occurs to the connective tissue on the bottom

10/19/2025

When should you consider Minimally Invasive (MIS) Bunion Surgery?

While many bunions can be managed conservatively, surgery becomes a smart option when:
✅ Pain limits daily life
👟 Shoes don’t fit
🦶 Deformity is getting worse
🔥 Swelling doesn’t go away
🛑 Conservative care isn’t working

Minimally Invasive (MIS) Bunion Surgeons If you're living with bunion pain that is affecting your daily activities or limiting your ability to enjoy the mountain lifestyle in Vail, Colorado, and the Eagle Mountain Range areas, it's time to explore advanced treatment options. Dr. Thomas Haytmanek, an...

10/17/2025

How Long Is Recovery from a Broken Ankle?

The short answer: It depends.
🦶 Most fractures take at least 6 weeks to heal.
But if tendons, ligaments, or other complications are involved, it may take longer.

🩻 Regular X-rays help track healing
🧑‍⚕️ Physical therapy is often recommended after the bones heal
⏳ Full recovery? It could take months, or even up to a year.

Ankle Specialists Have you experienced a recent traumatic injury to the ankle, including a sports injury, fall, or a high-impact force? If so, you may have experienced a fracture to the ankle. There are three different bones in the ankle, each of which may be fractured by

10/15/2025

Throwback Tuesday!

Dr. Haytmanek had the honor of attending the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine / American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society - AOFAS Surgical Skills Course this past weekend in Rosemont, IL.

This was an inspiring opportunity to connect with global leaders in orthopaedic sports medicine and advance knowledge in managing ankle and foot injuries.