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 had my left ankle replaced in 2025, this brace was recommended and it's been amazing. I used it throughout several months of Rehab and now continue to use it for most athletic activities including golf and a significant amount of weekly Pickleball. it's easy to take on and off, easy to adjust the straps based on the type of shoe I'm wearing. I continue to wear the brace 18 months after surgery as it provides confidence that I won't reinjure my replaced ankle. Great customer service as well!!!
The brace is a great second step in the healing progress . It allows gentile rom with medial
And lateral stabiling. My som lives rumning in it during his recovery. Super easy tomfit.
Thanks for sharing your son's experience, Dana! We're glad the AthleticX Brace is providing the stability and freedom of movement he needs as he recovers. Here's to getting back to the miles he loves! 💪
Thanks for taking the time to leave a review, Noah! We're glad your brace is delivering the support you expected and working well for you. We appreciate you sharing your experience.
Its a great fit,lots of straps ,had to bend and tough the plastic plate,from rubbing my upper ankle .
Thanks for sharing your feedback, James! We’re glad the brace fits well overall, but sorry to hear you experienced some rubbing around your upper ankle. Our team is always happy to help with fit adjustments to make sure you're getting the best possible comfort and support.
I’m using this after a distal fib fracture. Offers good support and easy to put on over your shoe.
Thanks for sharing your experience, Karon! We’re glad the AthleticX Brace is giving you the support you need while making it easy to stay in your own shoes as you recover.