Rhabdomyolysis is a rare injury to muscles that causes the muscles to break down. This is actually a life-threatening condition that can happen due to excessive exercise without rest. This condition has specific warning symptoms that are easily recognizable and can tell you that you need to get emergency medical care after an injury or after exerting or working out.
The symptoms of Rhabdomyolysis are:
The symptoms of this condition can range from mild to severe. The symptoms usually develop slowly over the next 24 to 72 hours after a muscle injury or an excessive workout. Some people might not even feel soreness at all but experience other symptoms. There are also some cases where dehydration, nausea, decreased urination, and even loss of consciousness can be associated with this condition.
This condition is caused by an injury or trauma to the body or high-intensity exercise. Severe dehydration and being overheated during exertion can also cause this condition. In some cases, medications and substance abuse can lead to Rhabdomyolysis. Genetic conditions like Duchenne muscular dystrophy and McArdle Disease can also lead to Rhabdomyolysis.
The risk factors for this condition are:
Rhabdomyolysis will often require emergency treatment. The doctor who sees a patient in the ER will ask if the patient has been exerting recently. A urine test will be ordered to look for signs of broken-down muscles in the urine. The level of myoglobin can tell doctors if muscle tissue death has occurred. The patient’s blood can also show elevated creatine kinase levels that are linked with muscle tissue breaking down.
Sometimes muscle biopsies are necessary to help look at the condition of the muscles. Biopsies and blood tests can also help diagnose genetic conditions that are linked with Rhabdomyolysis.
The treatment for this condition is usually initially delivered in an emergency room. Patients will be given intravenous fluids to help flush the toxins from muscle death out of the system. Dialysis can be necessary to help prevent severe kidney damage. Physical therapy can help the muscles to heal after the initial emergency period is over. Most patients need a few weeks to recover from Rhabdomyolysis. Returning to exercise and normal activities too soon can lead to secondary complications.
You cannot always prevent Rhabdomyolysis, particularly if it is linked to genetic causes or to medications that you are taking. However, you should take care when exerting that you do not get dehydrated and that you are not pushing too hard for your level of fitness. Take care when working out in the heat and be sure that you are avoiding the use of substances like alcohol and drugs.