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 found the Tayco RecoverX brace provided the stability of a walking boot and of a bulky ankle brace I'd worn previous to retiring as a staff RN. It's easy to use and wear with an orthopedic walking shoe of my choice and since it goes over my shoe it creates a level walking surface for both feet which eliminated the stress on my hips and knees felt when the brace or boot didn't match the height of my other shoe. Now I can walk the grocery or big box stores without pain and leave the electric carts to others. I highly recommend trying theTayCo RecoverX brace. My injury was a ruptured plantar fascia that created ankle pain with much walking and orthopedic inserts were unable to correct it. As I aged and lost muscle the pain shifted to my knee, which also showed no structural damage. The search to improve my quality of life led me to this brace
Laurie, being able to walk through the grocery store without pain or relying on an electric cart is a huge win! We're so glad the RecoverX Brace is providing the stability you need while allowing you to wear your own shoes and avoid the discomfort of uneven footwear. Thanks for sharing your journey and for recommending us to others!
3 months post trimalleolar fracture with dislocation. My husband recently broke his foot so I am back to farm chores sooner than expected. This brace fits well, gives my ankle freedom of movement to walk normally but supports lateral movement to prevent rolling ankle on slippery, uneven ground. It’s a life saver.
I can’t say enough about the brace. I like how you can put it in a fixed position or have some dorsiflexion and plantar flexion. Moreso, customer service was amazing, answering all my questions before purchaser and after.. Hannah was very helpful in all my Facebook messages!
Thanks for the kind words about both the RecoverX Brace and our team! We're glad you're enjoying the versatility of the adjustable hinge settings, and we'll be sure to pass along your shoutout to Hannah.
I shattered my ankle and lower leg 19 years ago. After 4 surgeries, I am not able to stand on it for a period of time without paying for it later but this brace is the best purchase I have made. I was on my feet all day and wore it all day, when I took it off, there was no pain that night.
Thank you for making something that is comfortable, easy to put on and able to wear with all my shoes.
Being on your feet all day without paying for it later is a huge win, Samantha! After everything you've been through with your ankle, we're thrilled the RecoverX Brace is helping you stay comfortable and active. Thanks for sharing your experience and for trusting us to help you keep moving!
I recently twisted my left ankle stepping off of my tractor and had to use an air boot to stabilize my ankle. After I finished with the air boot I wanted something I could use with my daily boots and found the Tayco Combat X ankle brace. I have been wearing it everyday since I received it and fits and works perfect! This is by far the best ankle brace I have ever used. I broke my right ankle when I was a teenager and have had issues with it ever since. I have tried all sorts of ankle braces over the years but the Tayco Combat X brace reduces inversion and eversion (side to side movement) better than anything I have ever tried. It is slim in design and comfortable against your ankle with memory foam padding on both sides of the brace. Most braces become uncomfortable after prolonged use but I can wear the Combat X brace all day with no issues.
Most people do not even realize I am wearing an ankle brace it blends in so well with my boot. I have had several people say they thought it was just a part of my boot!
I like it so well I planning to get another one for my right ankle!
I rarely write reviews on products but I felt compelled to do so with hopes that it may help someone else’s quality of life.
Thanks Tayco for making a great product!
Heath, hearing that the CombatX Brace is the best ankle brace you've ever used means a lot, especially after all the others you've tried! We're glad it's giving you the stability and all-day comfort you need while fitting seamlessly with your everyday boots. Thanks for taking the time to share such a thoughtful review and helping others discover a solution that could make a difference in their lives!