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 chronic pain from trauma to my ankle. It is permanent unfortunately and many days I have to resort to wheelchair. My doctor recommended I try Tayco’s boot as I have been using several others with little relief. Since using the Tayco, I have experienced incredible relief from pain when I walk. It’s very light weight which is critical. Other heavier boots have only added to the pain after wearing for even a short period of time. Tayco has been a God-send for sure.
Overall, I love the brace. I’m coming off of a 5 year battle with an ankle injury; 4 major surgeries in 4 years. I love that it doesn’t squeeze and swelling doesn’t cause it to strangle my ankle. However, I have serious concerns about the durability of the strap that runs under the shoe, and it does not appear replaceable.
I struggled to find shoes to fit ankle braces in and none of those options removed the pain in my ankle. They just reduced swelling and supported ankle from twisting. This brace fits on sandals and gym shoes and removes pain in my ankle. Best Ankle Brace EVER!
Mymost recent purchase of the ankle brace was rewarding.After two ankle surgeries I can walk much better .Thanks for your product and your prompt service!
Patrick Desmond here. I have been a long time user of TayCo Braces, I have the Custom External AFO Brace for both ankles. I have irreparably damaged ankles where no manner of surgery, including ankle replacement, would be effective. I was recommended TayCo Braces several years ago by my Podiatrist and Ortho. The braces have totally changed my life - enhancing my quality of life in a way I could not have imagined possible. Where before, I had very limited mobility and constant pain, I am now, with the TayCo Braces, able to lead a very comfortable life. I walk, golf, travel and am quite active. I wear the Braces, all day - every day, and as a result, I have significantly improved my mobility and I am essentially pain free. I have even bought additional duplicate braces, so I can rotate them to increase their longevity. They wear well and re easy on and easy off, are very comfortable and perform as advertised. The TayCo support staff is professional in every regard - responsive, helpful and courteous. Totally professional product, supported by a totally professional staff.
Patrick, we are beyond grateful for your incredible review. Hearing that our braces have transformed your mobility, comfort, and quality of life is exactly why we do what we do. Thank you for trusting us and for your kind words about both our braces and our team — your story inspires us every day!