Rhabdomyolysis emergency medicine: what to know

Rhabdomyolysis is rapid muscle-cell breakdown. It can follow unusually hard exercise, a crush injury, prolonged immobility, heat illness, seizures, or certain medicines and substances. Muscle pain, weakness, swelling, and dark or tea-coloured urine can occur, but some people have only a few symptoms. Muscle soreness after exercise can have many ordinary causes and does not by itself identify rhabdomyolysis.

Stop strenuous activity and seek same-day medical assessment if rhabdomyolysis is possible. Do not return to training to test the muscle. Tell the clinician about recent exercise, heat exposure, injury, reduced urination, medicines, supplements, alcohol or recreational substances, and any illness. A clinician may check blood chemistry, muscle enzymes, urine, hydration, and kidney function, then decide whether observation, fluids, or hospital treatment is needed.

Go to an emergency department now for very little or no urine, dark urine with marked muscle pain, rapidly increasing swelling, severe weakness, confusion, fainting, trouble breathing, chest symptoms, or inability to keep fluids down. After a major injury, heat illness, seizure, or prolonged compression, do not wait for symptoms to become dramatic.

Ask which tests will be repeated, whether your kidney function and electrolytes are affected, when you can safely drink and exercise, and which medicines or supplements should be paused. Clarify which changes in urine, swelling, weakness, or pain should trigger a return visit.