Rhabdomyolysis, often called “rhabdo,” is a serious medical condition where muscle tissue breaks down and releases certain substances into the bloodstream. This can overwhelm your kidneys and lead to significant health problems if untreated. Approximately 26,000 cases of rhabdomyolysis are reported annually in the U.S.
While rhabdomyolysis is more likely to affect people in specific high-risk situations, knowing the early warning signs of rhabdomyolysis is key to getting prompt treatment and preventing severe complications.
Here’s what to watch for and what to do if you think you have the disease.
What Causes Rhabdomyolysis?
Rhabdomyolysis can be triggered by a wide range of factors, from accidents to exercise. Understanding the common causes can help you recognize your risk.
Common Triggers of Rhabdomyolysis
- Extreme physical exertion: Pushing your body too far, too fast, especially in high-intensity workout programs, can cause exertional rhabdomyolysis. This is a common cause for athletes and people new to intense fitness routines.
- Trauma and crush injuries: A serious fall, car accident or any event that causes significant muscle damage can trigger rhabdo.
- Heat and dehydration: Exercising in hot, humid weather without drinking enough fluids increases your risk.
- Medications: Certain drugs, most notably statins used to lower cholesterol, can sometimes cause muscle breakdown. Other substances, including alcohol and illegal drugs, are also risk factors.
- Underlying conditions: People with certain muscle diseases, metabolic disorders or severe infections are more susceptible.
Athletes, firefighters, military personnel, older adults (especially after a fall) and individuals with chronic illnesses are among those at higher risk.
What are the Symptoms of Rhabdomyolysis?
The signs of rhabdomyolysis can appear suddenly, often after intense physical activity, an injury or due to certain medications. Pay close attention to your body and look for these key symptoms.
Common Rhabdomyolysis Symptoms
- Intense muscle pain: This is more than typical post-workout soreness. The pain is often severe, concentrated in areas like the shoulders, thighs or lower back.
- Muscle weakness: You might find it difficult to move your arms or legs, or struggle with simple tasks you could normally perform.
- Dark, tea-colored urine: When muscle cells break down, they release a protein called myoglobin, which turns urine dark brown or reddish.
- Swelling: The affected muscles may look swollen or feel tender to the touch.
Other general symptoms can include fatigue, nausea, confusion or a rapid heart rate.
How is Rhabdomyolysis Diagnosed and Treated?
When you arrive at a clinic or hospital, healthcare providers will act quickly to confirm a diagnosis and start treatment.
Diagnosis
- Blood tests: A simple blood test is the primary way to diagnose rhabdo. Doctors check for elevated levels of an enzyme called creatine kinase (CK). High CK levels are a clear indicator of muscle damage.
- Urine test: Your urine will be tested for myoglobin, the protein that makes it dark.
Immediate Treatment
The main goal of treatment is to flush the harmful muscle proteins from your system and protect your kidneys.
- Intravenous (IV) fluids: You will likely receive large amounts of fluids through an IV to help your kidneys filter the myoglobin out of your blood.
- Hospital monitoring: Doctors will monitor your kidney function and electrolyte levels closely. Most people with rhabdomyolysis need to be admitted to the hospital for at least a few days.
Recovery and Prevention
Early action dramatically improves outcomes and helps prevent long-term kidney damage.
Recovery at Home
Once you are discharged, your recovery plan will focus on letting your body heal.
- Hydrate: Continue drinking plenty of water.
- Rest: Avoid strenuous activity until your doctor gives you the all-clear.
- Follow-Up: Attend all follow-up appointments to monitor your CK levels and kidney function.
Preventing Rhabdomyolysis
You can take simple, practical steps to reduce your risk of developing rhabdo in the future.
- Exercise safely: Gradually increase the intensity of new workout routines. Don’t push yourself too hard, especially in the heat.
- Stay hydrated: Drink water before, during and after physical activity.
- Be aware of medications: If you take statins or other medications known to affect muscles, talk to your doctor about the signs of rhabdomyolysis.
- Listen to your body: If you feel unusual pain or exhaustion during a workout, stop and rest. It’s better to be cautious than to risk serious injury.
When to Seek Immediate Medical Help
Some symptoms can signal that you are having a medical emergency. If you experience any of the following, you need to seek help right away.
Red-Flag Warning Signs
- You have dark, tea-colored urine.
- You are unable to move a limb due to muscle weakness.
- You feel confused, dehydrated or have a fever along with severe muscle pain.
- You have not been able to urinate for several hours.
If you have these symptoms, especially after intense exertion or an injury, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately. Delays in treatment can increase the risk of kidney damage.
