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.
This brace is cheaply made. The quality of the product and materials used to make the brace are plastics that could easily bend and break. This brace is too expensive for the price. The brace is probably worth only 50% of the price (at most). Brace is not good for neurological conditions at all. This is an athletic brace for someone that can run and move about. I do not recommend for patients that have had strokes, spinal cord injuries, or anything of that nature because the brace isn’t sturdy enough or made to withstand the pressure that will be put on it. You will still need a customized AFO to use with it. Therefore, the is no use for the brace. I give this brace 2 stars because it’s not worth the price at all. If it was decently priced, then maybe I wouldn’t scored it higher, but I do not recommend.
Thank you for your feedback, Kristy. While our braces are built with durable, reinforced materials and work well for many individuals, we understand it may not be the right fit for every condition. We’d love the chance to learn more about your experience and see how we can help — our customer care team will be reaching out.
This is better than tall boot for me since hip surgery
Eastern to walk in and does not torque your hips
Thank you for sharing your story, Sylvia! We’re so glad the RecoverX Brace has been easier and more comfortable for you after hip surgery. Wishing you continued comfort and confidence as you stay active!
I have been dealing with drop foot for the last 5 years. The brace that I've been using is built into my shoe. The TayCo brace allows me the opportunity to wear any foot wear I want!! It's also very easy to put on and adjust. Thanks so much!
Thank you for sharing your story, Erin! We appreciate it, and we’re so glad the RecoverX Brace is giving you both the support and the freedom to wear the footwear you choose.
I sprained my ankle playing tennis. The brace was shipped in a timely fashion…fits good and easy to put and off. The over the shoe design is so much better than the one I’ve been wearing that didn’t fit well with my shoes. Because of the support I think they are going to help me get back to court sooner.
Thanks for sharing your experience, George! Wishing you a smooth recovery and a strong return to the tennis court. 💪
Had trouble getting an ankle stabilizing brace that fits in my shoes. This brace solved all my issues and I am very happy with the results.
Thank you for the wonderful review, Brian! We’re so glad the AthleticX Brace has given you the fit and support you were looking for. Enjoy the comfort and stability!