Rachel V Thomas

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Rhabdomyolysis: When An Intense Workout Can Damage Your Muscles And Harm Your Kidneys

As more young people take up high-intensity workouts and endurance challenges, pushing their bodies beyond their physical limits can have serious consequences. Doctors have warned that excessive exertion can trigger <span>rhabdomyolysis</span>, a condition in which damaged <span>muscle tissue</span> releases substances that can harm the kidneys.

South Korean newspaper The Chosun Daily reported that rhabdomyolysis cases have increased by more than 30% in four years. More than half of the patients hospitalised last year were in their 20s and 30s.

<h2>What Happens During Rhabdomyolysis?</h2>

Rhabdomyolysis occurs when skeletal muscle tissue breaks down rapidly, releasing substances such as myoglobin into the bloodstream. Excess myoglobin can damage the kidneys and impair their ability to function. If left untreated, the condition can lead to acute kidney failure.

Dr Ng Eng Khim, consultant physician, nephrologist and transplant nephrologist at Sunway Medical Centre, Malaysia, told The Star that symptoms typically include worsening muscle soreness about 48 hours after strenuous exercise, followed by muscle weakness.

“When muscle weakness kicks in to the point you may not be able to squat or even stand up, followed by cola-coloured or dark tea-coloured urine – those are your first warning signs. Once this happens, you should seek medical advice immediately. If left unattended, a decline in urine volume signals that the kidneys are failing,” he said.

<h2>Why Are <span rel="noindex">Intense Workouts</span> Increasing The Risk?</h2>

Rhabdomyolysis is increasingly being reported among people participating in extreme fitness activities, including spin cycling and high-intensity interval training (HIIT).

Suddenly switching from a sedentary lifestyle to strenuous exercise without adequate physical conditioning can increase the risk of muscle injury. Dehydration and insufficient food intake before workouts are other contributing factors.

Early treatment typically involves intravenous fluids to maintain urine output and help the kidneys flush out excess myoglobin, reducing the risk of complications.

<h2>What Are The Warning Signs Of Rhabdomyolysis?</h2>

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), symptoms can include:

<ul><li>Muscle pain, cramps or aches: Pain that is more severe than expected after physical exertion.</li><li>Dark-coloured urine: Urine that appears tea-coloured or cola-coloured.</li><li>Muscle weakness and fatigue: Difficulty completing everyday tasks or workouts that were previously manageable.</li></ul>

Symptoms may develop several hours or even days after the initial muscle injury. The CDC cautions that unusually severe muscle pain and fatigue should not be dismissed as ordinary post-workout soreness.

<h2>How Is Rhabdomyolysis Diagnosed And Treated?</h2>

Doctors use blood tests to measure <span>creatine kinase</span> (CK), an enzyme found mainly in skeletal muscles, the heart and brain. Elevated CK levels indicate muscle damage and help assess the severity of rhabdomyolysis.

Patients are monitored until their CK levels fall to a safer range. Dr Ng said the normal CK level is generally 200 units per litre or below.

He also cautioned against attempting to manage persistent muscle pain without medical advice.

“Patients should not try to suppress their muscle pain through painkillers, especially if the symptoms last for more than two days. If pain relief is needed, always consult a doctor.”

<h2>Who Is At Risk Of Rhabdomyolysis?</h2>

Anyone can develop rhabdomyolysis, but certain factors can increase the risk:

<ul><li>Exercise and environment: Intense workouts without conditioning, sudden increases in exercise intensity, dehydration and working in hot environments.</li><li>Medical conditions: Infections such as influenza and HIV, uncontrolled diabetes, sickle cell disease, thyroid disorders and muscular dystrophy.</li><li>Behaviours and substances: Cocaine and methamphetamine use, excessive alcohol, certain supplements and high caffeine or stimulant intake.</li><li>Medications: Some antibiotics, antidepressants, statins and cold and allergy medicines.</li></ul>

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As more young people take up high-intensity workouts and endurance challenges, pushing their bodies beyond their physical limits can have serious consequences. Doctors have warned that excessive exertion can trigger rhabdomyolysis, a condition in which damaged muscle tissue releases substances that can harm the kidneys.South Korean newspaper The Chosun Daily reported that rhabdomyolysis cases have increased by more than 30% in four years. More than half of the patients hospitalised last year were in their 20s and 30s.What Happens During Rhabdomyolysis?Rhabdomyolysis occurs when skeletal muscle tissue breaks down rapidly, releasing substances such as myoglobin into the bloodstream. Excess myoglobin can damage the kidneys and impair their ability to function. If left untreated, the condition can lead to acute kidney failure.Dr Ng Eng Khim, consultant physician, nephrologist and transplant nephrologist at Sunway Medical Centre, Malaysia, told The Star that symptoms typically include worsening muscle soreness about 48 hours after strenuous exercise, followed by muscle weakness.“When muscle weakness kicks in to the point you may not be able to squat or even stand up, followed by cola-coloured or dark tea-coloured urine – those are your first warning signs. Once this happens, you should seek medical advice immediately. If left unattended, a decline in urine volume signals that the kidneys are failing,” he said.Why Are Intense Workouts Increasing The Risk?Rhabdomyolysis is increasingly being reported among people participating in extreme fitness activities, including spin cycling and high-intensity interval training (HIIT).Suddenly switching from a sedentary lifestyle to strenuous exercise without adequate physical conditioning can increase the risk of muscle injury. Dehydration and insufficient food intake before workouts are other contributing factors.Early treatment typically involves intravenous fluids to maintain urine output and help the kidneys flush out excess myoglobin, reducing the risk of complications.What Are The Warning Signs Of Rhabdomyolysis?According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), symptoms can include:Muscle pain, cramps or aches: Pain that is more severe than expected after physical exertion.Dark-coloured urine: Urine that appears tea-coloured or cola-coloured.Muscle weakness and fatigue: Difficulty completing everyday tasks or workouts that were previously manageable.Symptoms may develop several hours or even days after the initial muscle injury. The CDC cautions that unusually severe muscle pain and fatigue should not be dismissed as ordinary post-workout soreness.How Is Rhabdomyolysis Diagnosed And Treated?Doctors use blood tests to measure creatine kinase (CK), an enzyme found mainly in skeletal muscles, the heart and brain. Elevated CK levels indicate muscle damage and help assess the severity of rhabdomyolysis.Patients are monitored until their CK levels fall to a safer range. Dr Ng said the normal CK level is generally 200 units per litre or below.He also cautioned against attempting to manage persistent muscle pain without medical advice.“Patients should not try to suppress their muscle pain through painkillers, especially if the symptoms last for more than two days. If pain relief is needed, always consult a doctor.”Who Is At Risk Of Rhabdomyolysis?Anyone can develop rhabdomyolysis, but certain factors can increase the risk:Exercise and environment: Intense workouts without conditioning, sudden increases in exercise intensity, dehydration and working in hot environments.Medical conditions: Infections such as influenza and HIV, uncontrolled diabetes, sickle cell disease, thyroid disorders and muscular dystrophy.Behaviours and substances: Cocaine and methamphetamine use, excessive alcohol, certain supplements and high caffeine or stimulant intake.Medications: Some antibiotics, antidepressants, statins and cold and allergy medicines.

rhabdomyolysis: when an intense workout can damage your muscles and harm your kidneys

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