Iron Will to Keep on Moving Lands Fox Valley Orthopedics' Surgeon in World Triathlon Event

Advances in orthopedics has made it possible to pursue athletic dreams long past mid-life and well into “the golden years.” Just ask Dr. Craig M. Torosian, an orthopedic surgeon at Fox Valley Orthopedics. At 51, he’s about to participate in Madison Wisconsin’s World Triathlon Ironman event, just one in a long list of firsts since becoming “middle-aged”.

On September 8th, Dr. Torosian – along with over 2900  contestants – will participate in Madison’s Ironman Triathlon. Athletes must complete a 2.4-mile swim in Lake Monona; a 112-mile bike course through hilly, rural, terrain; and, finally, a challenging 26.2-mile marathon run through downtown Madison and environs. The prize is $25,000, and the opportunity to compete in the Ironman World Championship in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii.

“I never thought I’d be competing at this level,” says Dr. Torosian. “It just goes to show you what you can do with the right attitude, training, coaching, medical care, and physical therapy.”

Dr. Torosian believes it’s vital to train by beginning slowly, and seeking advice from a professional or athletic trainer.

“And you’re going to get injured, so when it happens, take care of it right away,” says Dr. Torosian. “Don’t risk turning something easily treatable into something difficult to treat. Seek diagnosis and treatment from a professional.”

Dr. Torosian speaks from personal experience. In his younger days, after getting fit and losing weight, he became a triathlon competitor. But after an injury, he had a difficult time getting back on track. By then he was in his mid-40s, and had begun to believe he couldn’t do it anymore. Eventually he started running again, but had stopped working out and gained back all the weight, so various body parts began to protest.

He made up his mind to have surgery. FVO’s Dr. Kevan Ketterling repaired a meniscus tear in his knee. It took three months of rest and rehabilitation before Dr. Torosian could run again. And there were many setbacks: a stress fracture in his knee, another in his foot. Both required treatment, but he was determined to keep on moving.

After years of believing that he was too old , he returned to the sport he loved by completing an Olympic distance triathlon in Florida.

 “When I crossed the finish line it was extremely gratifying because it was the first race I’d finished in nine years,” says Dr. Torosian, who then began training seriously with the aid of a coach.

Since then he’s completed four half-Ironman’s, and began training for Ironman Wisconsin. 

“There’s an athlete in everybody,” says Dr. Torosian. “No matter what your body type is, or your health history, exercise is not just for the young; it’s important for your entire life.”

Dr. Torosian says he is now totally motivated and training smart, and doesn’t think anything can stop him. He believes the trick to succeeding is treating injuries before they get bad.  

“I haven’t had my best race,” says Dr. Torosian. “I don’t know what my top end is, but I want to find it.”

In March, FVO kicked off a 40-week “Keep It Moving” campaign to mark its 40-year anniversary. The special anniversary events, challenges, giveaways, inspirational patient stories, tips to "Keep It moving," and other community initiatives are designed to say thanks to patients and the community in ways that inspire people to keep moving.

ABOUT FOX VALLEY ORTHOPEDICS (FVO)

FVO was founded in 1973 in Geneva, Illinois for the purpose of providing exceptional comprehensive orthopedic care in an environment that puts patients first. FVO provides a vast range of bone and joint surgery and care through its advanced imaging, sports medicine, and ambulatory surgery centers. Dedicated to the community, Fox Valley Orthopedics provides team physicians to many local high schools, and is the official team physician group for the Kane County Cougars. The practice serves communities throughout Chicago with offices in Geneva and Elgin. For more information, go to www.fvortho.com.