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.
After 7 months I finally found something that would help
I fractured my foot 7 months ago and won't bore you with the long journey to here. At first we thought it was a sprain but once diagnosed I tried to wear a boot. It totally threw my back out. I kept searching for something that would create more stability for my foot without instability for the rest of my body. This is perfect. By wearing this, I am hoping to avoid surgery.
Thank you for sharing your story, Denise! Seven months is a long road, and we’re so glad the TRecoverX Brace has given you the stability you were looking for without throwing the rest of your body off balance. Wishing you continued progress and a steady return to the things you love.
This brace helped me greatly with confidence and stability while I am returning to sports after a complete Achilles rupture and surgery
Thanks for sharing your review, Gianna! Coming back from a complete Achilles rupture and surgery is no small journey. Wishing you continued strength and success as you get back to the sports you love.
I have a foot with issues the braces doesn't support I've tried it everyday since I receive it doesn't help mines not about a fracture.
I need balance in my foot not ankle or calf.
Thank you for trying the brace a try, Jan! We appreciate the feedback. The AthleticX Brace is designed to stabilize the ankle and control roll, so it may not provide the type of midfoot balance support you’re looking for. We’d be happy to learn more about what you’re experiencing and see if we can help. Our customer support team will reach out so we can make sure you’re taken care of.
I was suffering from a messed up tendon in my left foot. I was wearing a fabric brace that fit on my ankle/foot inside my shoe. It was a real pain putting it on and off and was not comfortable. I thought it was helping.
When I fit the Tayco Brace and got up and walked I was amazed. Much of the pain was gone and the fit and comfort was amazing. Now that I have worn it for a week I hardly notice I’m wearing a brace. It’s so much better being on the outside of my shoe. I’m thinking of buying a second one to wear when I go hunting and keep one clean and nice for everyday use. My ankle had been swollen for weeks. The swelling went down after about 4-5 days of wearing the new brace. It’s given me new hope that now that the ankle is so well supported and comfortable the tendon may actually heal.
Thank you for sharing your, BJ! We’re so glad the AthleticX Brace has made such a noticeable difference in your comfort and support. Hearing that your swelling went down and that you hardly notice you’re wearing it after a week is exactly what we hope for.