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 think this brace will work but I’m concerned about the strap that goes under the shoe. I’ll be wearing the brace with shoes that don’t have cleats, if the strap wears out can the strap be replaced?
That’s great to hear, Vickey! The strap that runs under the shoe is reinforced with Kevlar—so while it may wear down over time like a shoe sole, it shouldn’t break. If it ever does, just let us know and we’ll replace it for free.
After surgery on my ankle my doctor recommended an over the shoe brace. I chose the Tayco Brace. It helps support my ankle yet lets in flex. I have only been using it a little over a week but am pleased with the way it works. once fitted for the shoe it's easy on and off.
Thank you for your reivew, Charles! We’re glad to hear the AthleticX Brace is providing the support you need after surgery while still allowing for some flexibility. Wishing you continued progress in your recovery!
Much smaller than a walking boot, this brace allows the comfort and convenient of wearing regular shoes, yet still achieving the fixed 90 degree angulation needed for healing. In addition, it can be adjusted to allow limited movement for transitioning into full articulation. (Great for driving, whereas a standard walking boot may be too wide to hit the brake pedal without also simultaneously pressing the accelerator.
Thank you so much for your thoughtful review, Daniel! We’re thrilled to hear that the RecoverX provided you with the support you needed — while still allowing the comfort and convenience of wearing your regular shoes. Wishing you continued success in your recovery journey!