Management of Rhabdomyolysis

Rhabdomyolysis occurs when damaged muscle cells release their contents into the blood. It may follow unusually intense exercise, a crush injury, prolonged immobility, heat exposure, seizures, infection, or a medicine or substance. Muscle pain, weakness, swelling, and dark urine can occur, but symptoms vary. Tests commonly check muscle enzymes, kidney function, urine, and salts in the blood.

A clinician may give fluids through a vein when needed and repeat blood and urine tests to follow the response. Treatment also addresses the trigger: stopping a suspected medicine under medical direction, treating an injury or illness, correcting overheating, or managing exertional strain. Avoid strenuous exercise, alcohol, and unapproved supplements until a clinician explains when activity can resume. Do not force large amounts of fluid if you have heart or kidney disease without advice.

Seek urgent medical care for severe muscle pain or weakness after exertion or injury, swelling that is rapidly increasing, urine that is much darker than usual or markedly reduced, vomiting, confusion, faintness, breathing difficulty, or a racing or irregular heartbeat. These signs can accompany dehydration, kidney stress, or changes in blood salts and should not be watched at home.

Ask which trigger is suspected, which blood and urine results need repeating, how much activity and fluid are appropriate for you, whether any medicine or supplement should change, and which symptoms should send you back for immediate review.