Doctor: Runners may suffer injuries from overuse

PHOENIX (KSAZ) - On Saturday, Mark Gershman, who already ran in 107 marathons, will take part in his 108th, by running in the Sprouts Mesa Phoenix Marathon.

"I try to do between 40 and 50 miles a week in training, and then I do a shorter distance races," said Gershman.

More than 10,000 people are expected to take part, and athletes can qualify for the Boston Marathon at the event. Gershman, however, is visiting doctors, after an injury during a 17-mile run.

"Mile 9, Mile 10 of my run, and my Piriformis seized up immediately where I could not fire my glutes," said Gershman. "I had to stop in my tracks."

Gershman got an MRI at East Valley Diagnostic Imaging (EVDI), where doctors say they're seeing more injuries from overuse.

"With the Phoenix Marathon this weekend, we've definitely seen an increase in overuse-type injuries, as people prepare for the marathon," said Dr. Penny Bowen, a radiologist with EVDI. She said pushing yourself too far can lead to injuries like bone fractures or runner's knee.

Meanwhile, Gershman has been trying electrical stimulation and deep tissue massage for his injuries.

"It probably came from overuse," said Gershman. "I started later in life, so maybe the injuries are just now starting to happen."

Dr Bowen said fall injuries are less common than runner's knee, and said shin splints are another common problem for athletes.