Tea-Coloured Urine and Rhabdomyolysis

Rhabdomyolysis happens when damaged muscle releases proteins and pigments into the bloodstream. The kidneys must filter these substances, so urine may look tea-coloured, brown or unusually dark. Severe muscle soreness, weakness, tenderness or swelling can occur, but visible urine changes may be the clearest warning. It can follow unfamiliar strenuous exercise, heat exposure, a crush injury, prolonged immobility or another muscle insult. Ordinary muscle soreness after exercise tends to improve with rest; dark urine is a reason to seek assessment rather than assuming it is routine soreness.

Stop strenuous activity and arrange urgent medical assessment today, especially if the colour change followed exercise or an injury. Do not try to train through it. Tell the clinician what activity, injury, heat exposure or medicines preceded the change, and when you first noticed it. They may assess muscle injury, hydration and kidney function with an examination and tests. Follow their fluid advice; drinking excessive amounts quickly is not a substitute for care.

Seek emergency help for very little or no urine, worsening weakness, confusion, fainting, severe swelling, chest symptoms or trouble breathing. Prompt assessment is also needed for dark urine with marked muscle pain, repeated vomiting, fever or inability to keep fluids down. These features can accompany complications affecting the kidneys or the body’s chemical balance.

Ask what may have damaged the muscle, whether kidney tests are needed, which activities and medicines to pause, how to replace fluids safely, and when it is reasonable to return to exercise.