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

09/05/2025

The anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) is the most commonly injured ligament in your ankle! It's crucial for preventing your foot from sliding forward, but when injured, it can sideline athletes for weeks. Learn more about how this injury happens and how we can help.

Anterior Talofibular Ligament Tear Specialists The anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) is the most commonly injured ligament of the ankle joint. Athletes are the most at risk of injuring this ligament which can cause ankle instability, pain and the inability to bear weight on the ankle. Anterior ta...

09/04/2025

09/01/2025

Did you know that each foot has 26 bones, 33 joints, and more than 100 muscles, tendons, and ligaments? That’s a lot to take care of! This Labor Day, remember to give your hardworking feet the attention they deserve.

Whether you're hitting the trails or enjoying a BBQ, your feet will thank you for the extra care. Enjoy the long weekend from the team at The Steadman Clinic

08/29/2025

Fractured your ankle? From casts to surgery, treatment depends on the severity. For displaced fractures, surgery with metal plates & screws may be needed to restore full function. Our doctors in Vail have you covered!

Ankle Fracture Repair Surgeons Ankle fractures can be common in athletes, especially those who participate in contact sports or who jump, twist or land on one foot. If you have suffered a broken ankle or a syndesmosis ankle injury, you should see orthopedic foot and ankle surgeons, Doctors Thomas Ha...

08/27/2025

Whether you crushed a half marathon or went the distance in a marathon or ultramarathon, recovery is key! Find out how long it really takes and how you can help your body recover faster.

Check out expert advice here 👇

Allowing your body time to recover after a race is important. But just how much time does recovery take? A running coach explains.

08/26/2025

Have you ever felt a sudden, sharp pain in the ball of your foot, especially when putting pressure on it? You might be dealing with Morton's Neuroma—a benign condition that’s often misunderstood. It doesn’t always come with a visible lump, but the discomfort can feel very real.

Common Symptoms:
· Sharp, intermittent pain when pressure is applied to the ball of the foot.
· Numbness or tingling in the toes—almost like pins and needles!
· An unpleasant sensation that can make walking feel uncomfortable.

Morton's Neuroma develops inside the foot, affecting the nerves, and while it’s not usually something you can see, the pain is often enough to stop you in your tracks.

Morton's Neuroma Specialists Are you experiencing pain at the base of the toes that worsens when pressure is applied to the ball of the foot? If so, you may be experiencing Morton’s Neuroma. This is a condition that occurs when the nerves leading to the toes are

08/21/2025

Dr Backus has been invited to teach at the International Bone Research Association (IBRA) Course on Management of Sports Medicine Injuries, Trauma & Deformity in the Foot & Ankle this November.

Attendees can expect in-depth, hands-on training led by global orthopedic experts. Dr. Backus will focus on the treatment and surgical reconstruction of complex foot & ankle pathology in athletes and trauma patients.
· Date: Nov 14–15
· Location: San Diego, CA

Dr. Jonathan Backus will be part of the faculty for the IBRA (International Bone Research Association) course in November. This educational course will cover the Management of Sports Medicine Injuries, Trauma and Deformity in the Foot & Ankle. Hosted by IBRA, a globally respected organization dedica...

08/20/2025

"Why am I not getting faster at running?" You’re asking the right question.

From overtraining to under-fueling, here’s what the experts say—and how to finally break through that plateau.

If you’re not getting faster, then it’s probably related to one of these three reasons.

08/14/2025

We’re proud to share that Dr. Haytmanek will present on Revision Lateral Ankle Ligament Reconstruction at this year’s American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine “Reaching the Summit” course.

· Date: October 10–11
· Location: Chicago, IL

He’ll dive into the complexities of revision surgery for chronic lateral ankle instability—offering strategies for surgical success when primary repairs fall short.

Learn more:

Dr. C. Thomas Haytmanek to Present on Revision Lateral Ankle Ligament Reconstruction at AOSSM’s “Reaching the Summit” Course This October Dr. C. Thomas Haytmanek will present on Revision Lateral Ankle Ligament Reconstruction during the upcoming AOSSM (American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Me...

08/13/2025

Experiencing pain or pressure in your legs during exercise that disappears with rest?

It might be Exertional Compartment Syndrome:
🔹 Pain with activity
🔹 Tingling or numbness
🔹 Muscle weakness

This condition can affect athletes of all levels. Here is what else you should know

Complex Foot and Ankle Specialists Have you experienced frequent cramping in the lower legs while exercising? This sensation may be caused by a lack of blood flow to the muscles of the lower legs. This condition is called Exertional compartment syndrome and it may cause pain or

08/12/2025

Did you know that Minimally Invasive Bunion Surgery allows you to start walking earlier than traditional bunion procedures?

Thanks to smaller incisions and less tissue trauma, patients experience:
✅ Faster recovery
✅ Lower infection risk
✅ Minimal scarring
✅ Better big toe movement

It's foot surgery—with a modern upgrade.

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...