75-Year-Old Active Grandfather Recovers from Left Fibula Fracture
75-Year-Old Active Grandfather Recovers from Left Fibula Fracture
Meet Patrick
At 75 years old, Patrick Krueger isn’t slowing down anytime soon. A proud grandfather from South Bend, Ind., Patrick fills his days with golf, swimming, long walks with his wife, and a daily step goal of 10,000+, an active lifestyle that keeps him feeling young and energized.
But one unexpected fall nearly brought all of that to a halt.
A Painful Fall and a Fractured Fibula
While enjoying a regular day, Patrick suddenly collapsed due to dehydration. The fall resulted in severe pain and a trip to the ER. Emergency responders rushed him in, especially cautious given his history of open-heart surgery five years prior. After X-rays and thorough evaluation, doctors diagnosed Patrick with a hairline fracture of the left fibula.
His initial treatment? A traditional CAM walking boot — bulky, restrictive, and hard to manage for someone used to staying on the move. It offered stability but made everyday movement frustrating and uncomfortable.
Discovering the Best Ankle Stabilizer for Recovery
Not one to sit still, Patrick sought out a second opinion at South Bend Orthopedics, where he met Dr. Bemenderfer. That’s where he was introduced to a life-changing alternative: the TayCo Acute XAB Brace — a revolutionary ankle stabilizer designed to provide support without sacrificing mobility.
Unlike the boot, the Acute XAB Brace fit comfortably over Patrick’s shoe, protected both sides of his lower leg, and took less than a minute to put on. It offered the support his injury needed — without limiting his movement or daily activities.
Back on His Feet — and Back to Life
With the help of the Acute XAB Brace, Patrick quickly returned to doing what he loves:
Long walks with his wife
Cheering at football games
Daily chores without pain
Looking ahead to his next round of golf
“ayCo Brace gave me the freedom to keep moving,” Patrick said. “I’ll definitely be keeping it around!”
The Takeaway
For active adults recovering from injuries like fibula fractures, TayCo Brace offers one of the best ankle brace solutions available today. Lightweight, functional, and easy to use, it’s more than just an alternative to a walking boot — it’s a smarter path to recovery that keeps you moving.
I have peroneal tendinitis and have tried at least a half dozen ankle braces, but none have given me the support I needed to take force off my ankle. I have been wearing my Tayco brace for a week. (Initially, strap 1 was too short, but customer service was incredibly responsive in getting me a replacement.) It is easy to put on and take off, and I feel much more secure wearing it. Played gold yesterday with no problems. Highly recommend.
This RecoverX brace was exactly what I needed when transitioning from a CAM boot to ankle brace. I can lock it to prevent ankle movement or, now that I’ve been approved to strengthen foot muscles and transition to full weight bearing, I can unlock it for full mobility. In these early transitioning days, I need the support, but I also need the mobility of the unlocked brace. And it’s so much more convenient, as it fits over any shoe! I love it!
Thank you for taking the time to share your story, Helen! We’re thrilled the RecoverX Brace has given you both the support and freedom you need during recovery. That smooth transition out of the boot and into mobility is exactly what we designed it for—so glad it’s working for you!
If you have a problem with the brace, call TayCo! - great customer service. I had trouble setting up my brace for the first time, then kind of messed up two straps, but after talking with TayCo the next day, it will be okay.
I was able to try the brace and was impressed. I'm not used walking almost normal (drop-foot) but I felt pretty secure and able to walk without wobbling. I think it's going to help more than anything else I've tried in the past!
Thanks for your honest feedback, Robert. We’re glad the brace is working for you so far, but we’re sorry the instructions caused frustration. That’s not the experience we aim for, and will use this feedback to continuing improving.
Bought this for my daughter as she was returning to sports from a fibula fracture. Allows for full range of motion, but protects from rolling & breaking again.
Thank for the fantastic review, Lisa. We’re so glad to hear your daughter is getting back to sports with the protection and mobility she needs. Wishing her a strong and confident return to play! 💪