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

11/25/2025

11/19/2025

Pain, swelling, and bruising in the middle of the foot, especially on both the top and bottom, can signal a Lisfranc injury.
If walking is difficult, seek medical evaluation.
Ligament tears or fractures may require treatment to restore foot stability.

Lisfranc Injury Specialists Are you an athlete participating in a sport that involves twisting or putting weight on the foot with pointed toes? If so, you may be at an increased risk of developing a Lisfranc injury. Lisfranc injuries occur when there is damage to a ligament

11/18/2025

Ever rolled your ankle and wondered what’s going on inside? The calcaneofibular ligament (CFL) connects your ankle bones and keeps your joint stable.

A tear from a twist, fall, or crash can make your ankle feel wobbly and that’s your body telling you it needs care!

Calcaneofibular Ligament Tear Specialists Are you an athlete who participates in skiing, snowboarding, or other similar sports? If so, you may be at risk of sustaining a high-impact injury from a hard twisting fall. Injuries of this type can cause the calcaneofibular ligament to tear. A tear to this...

11/14/2025

Exciting news! Dr. Haytmanek is thrilled to be presenting at the upcoming Arthroscopy Association of North America on Comprehensive Refinement & Arthroplasty Basics, a fully customizable E.L.I.T.E. Skills Training course designed for surgeons who want to elevate their craft.

What makes this course unique? You pick your joint, pick your procedures, and build a learning experience tailored to your goals. This will be a great opportunity to refine your skills, expand your knowledge, and take control of your surgical education.

C. Thomas Haytmanek Jr., MD, orthopaedic foot and ankle specialist at The Steadman Clinic in Vail, Colorado, has been selected to serve as faculty for the upcoming E.L.I.T.E. Skills Training Course. Dr. Haytmanek will lead sessions focused specifically on comprehensive arthroscopy refinement and art...

11/14/2025

How minimally invasive bunion surgery works:
1️⃣ Tiny incisions along the foot
2️⃣ Osteotomy & repositioning of the metatarsal
3️⃣ Screw fixation for stabilization
4️⃣ Akin osteotomy for toe alignment
5️⃣ Bump removal & soft tissue release
6️⃣ Skin closure

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...

11/13/2025

- Dr. Haytmanek provided medical coverage for the US Women's Alpine Speed Team for their training at Copper Mountain on November 10th and 11th.

Dr. Haytmanek said, “I enjoy providing medical coverage for these incredible athletes. Seeing their speed and power is awe inspiring. Wishing these women good luck for the rest of the season.”

11/11/2025

From our team to those who have served: thank you. AtThe Steadman Clinic, we honor the bravery and commitment of our veterans today and every day.

11/07/2025

An anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) tear is one of the most common ankle injuries and often more than “just a sprain.” Symptoms may include:
· Sharp pain & swelling
· Instability or giving way
· Bruising around the ankle
· A “pop” at the time of injury

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...

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