Rhabdomyolysis in CrossFit athletes

Fast-paced workouts, high-repetition movements, eccentric loading, heat, dehydration, and returning too quickly after a break can place unusual stress on muscle. Rhabdomyolysis is different from expected post-workout soreness because symptoms may be unusually severe, accompanied by weakness, swelling, reduced urination, or dark urine. A hard session does not make the diagnosis by itself, and ordinary soreness does not exclude it.

Stop the workout and tell the coach or training partner if pain, weakness, swelling, or unusual fatigue develops. Arrange prompt medical assessment rather than attempting a lighter workout to gauge your condition. Record the workout, environmental heat, fluid intake, supplements, medicines, and symptom timing. Until reviewed, avoid intense exercise, alcohol, and unapproved performance products.

Go to an emergency department for dark urine, very little urine, rapidly increasing muscle swelling, severe weakness, confusion, fainting, breathing difficulty, or vomiting that prevents drinking. Seek care promptly after a heat-related collapse, major injury, seizure, or prolonged compression, even when symptoms initially seem like routine training soreness.

Ask which blood and urine tests are needed, when they should be repeated, what training progression is suitable, and whether heat, hydration, medication, supplements, or a previous episode changes your plan. Ask what your coach should know about warning signs and rest periods.