What should you know about CrossFit rhabdomyolysis?

Rhabdomyolysis can occur when a high-intensity workout causes extensive muscle damage. Repeated lifts, fast circuits, unfamiliar movements, exercising in heat, and inadequate recovery can increase physical stress. The damaged muscle releases substances into the blood that may disturb fluid balance and strain the kidneys.

Expected muscle soreness usually follows a familiar pattern and improves with rest. Concerning symptoms include pain that is out of proportion to the session, swelling, weakness, reduced urine, or dark urine. The absence of dark urine does not rule out the condition.

Stop exercise and contact a medical service promptly if symptoms are severe, unusual, or worsening. Tell the clinician what movements you performed, how long the session lasted, whether you trained in heat, and what medicines or supplements you use.

Assessment may include an examination plus blood and urine testing. Do not restart CrossFit, use strenuous stretching, or take unadvised pain medicines while suspected muscle breakdown is being assessed. Follow the clinician's plan for fluids, monitoring, and a gradual return to activity.

Go to urgent care for dark urine, very little urine, rapidly increasing swelling, severe muscle pain, marked weakness, fainting, confusion, persistent vomiting, or breathing difficulty. These symptoms can signal complications requiring same-day treatment.

Ask which symptoms should send you straight to urgent care, whether blood and urine tests are needed, how long to avoid intense exercise, and how your next training plan should be modified.