
Symptoms
Recovery from exercise-induced rhabdomyolysis, with no major complications, can take several weeks to months for the patient to return to exercise without recurrence of symptoms. More severe complications, such as those often seen in compartment syndrome, can result in multiple operations, months of rehabilitation, and permanent disability.
Causes
To lower your risk of getting rhabdomyolysis, you should:
- Start an exercise program slowly, and listen to your body. If you feel especially sore or tired during a workout, stop and rest. ...
- Stay hydrated and avoid getting overheated. ...
- Don’t abuse alcohol or take illegal drugs.
- Talk to your doctor about any medications you’re taking that may increase your risk of developing rhabdomyolysis. ...
Prevention
Prevention guidelines
- 5.1. Consideration of exercise program components. ...
- 5.2. Education of exercise-induced rhabdomyolysis. ...
- 5.3. Prudence in participating in exercise when having communicable diseases. ...
- 5.4. Environmental factors to be considered in outdoor exercises. ...
- 5.5. Consideration of alimentation. ...
Complications
The most common causes of single episodes of rhabdomyolysis are drugs, exercise and immobility. Defects in fatty acid β-oxidation are the most common metabolic myopathy to cause recurrent exercise-induced rhabdomyolysis. Some defects of fatty acid β-oxidation are common especially in Canadian Aboriginal populations, although the clinical ...
How long does recovery take from rhabdomyolysis?
How to treat rhabdomyolysis naturally at home?
How can athletes reduce the risk of rhabdomyolysis?
Which metabolic deficiencies may cause rhabdomyolysis?

What activities cause rhabdomyolysis?
High-intensity exercise: Jumping into an exercise program too fast can lead to rhabdomyolysis when muscles don't have time to heal after an intense workout. Severe dehydration and overheating: Heat causes faster muscle breakdown. Your kidneys can't dispose of all the waste without plenty of fluids.
What are two causes of rhabdomyolysis?
Rhabdomyolysis CausesA crush injury such as from an auto accident, fall, or building collapse.Long-lasting muscle compression such as that caused by prolonged immobilization after a fall or lying unconscious on a hard surface during illness or while under the influence of alcohol or medication.More items...•
Can you fully recover from rhabdomyolysis?
If the condition is recognized and treated early, you can avoid most major complications and expect a full recovery. Recovery from exercise-induced rhabdomyolysis, with no major complications, can take several weeks to months for the patient to return to exercise without recurrence of symptoms.
What food causes rhabdomyolysis?
Several food-related causes of acute rhabdomyolysis have been recognized, including fish (Haff disease), wild mushrooms and quail (coturnism). Coturnism, like Haff disease, is rare and often misdiagnosed.
How quickly does rhabdomyolysis develop?
It can take three days to set in. You might expect to know shortly after, or even during, a workout that something is wrong. But rhabdo usually peaks at 24 to 72 hours after a workout or injury, says Arora.
Will rhabdomyolysis go away?
Rhabdo usually goes away in a few days and you can make a full recovery if you get treatment early. Only your healthcare provider can tell you how severe your rhabdo is and what treatment you should receive. The best treatment for rhabdo is fluids. “Aggressive hydration is the mainstay of treatment.
What are 4 causes of rhabdomyolysis?
The most common causes are crush injury, overexertion, alcohol abuse and certain medicines and toxic substances. Several inherited genetic disorders, such as McArdle's disease and Duchenne's muscular dystrophy, are predisposing factors for the syndrome.
Can Covid cause rhabdomyolysis?
Viral infection, especially influenza virus infection, can lead to rhabdomyolysis (6). We report rhabdomyolysis related to COVID-19 in Wuhan, China.
How do you prevent rhabdomyolysis?
What can I do to prevent rhabdo?Become acclimatized to your physical activity level and the heat before working for long periods of time. Keep this in mind when returning to work from vacation or starting a new job in a different climate.Stay home from work when you're sick. ... Stay hydrated.
How do you check for rhabdomyolysis?
The only way to know you have rhabdo is through a blood test that checks for the presence of a muscle protein, creatine kinase (CK), in the blood. If you suspect that you may have rhabdo, ask to have your CK levels checked. Symptoms can appear any time after muscle injury.
What is the best treatment for rhabdomyolysis?
Treatment options for rhabdomyolysis Most people with rhabdo receive fluids through their veins in an intravenous (IV) drip. Some people may require dialysis or hemofiltration to address kidney damage in more severe cases.
Can rhabdomyolysis be cured at home?
Most cases of rhabdo are treated at home simply by increasing fluid intake. If muscle enzyme levels are high, or if there are signs of kidney problems, IV fluids may be needed. In some cases, we have to admit patients to the hospital and even to the ICU for close monitoring and further treatment.
What are 4 causes of rhabdomyolysis?
The most common causes are crush injury, overexertion, alcohol abuse and certain medicines and toxic substances. Several inherited genetic disorders, such as McArdle's disease and Duchenne's muscular dystrophy, are predisposing factors for the syndrome.
What is the primary cause of exertional rhabdomyolysis?
Rhabdomyolysis is associated with hyper- and hypothermia, sickle cell trait (and other ischemic conditions), exertion, crush syndromes, infection, autoimmune and metabolic disorders, and certain drugs. Stimulants such as phentermine have been associated with exercise-induced rhabdomyolysis.
When should you suspect rhabdomyolysis?
When will symptoms appear? The only way to know you have rhabdo is through a blood test that checks for the presence of a muscle protein, creatine kinase (CK), in the blood. If you suspect that you may have rhabdo, ask to have your CK levels checked. Symptoms can appear any time after muscle injury.
Who does rhabdomyolysis commonly affect?
Most often, it's seen in people who have suffered major injuries or trauma. Rhabdomyolysis may also develop in response to certain medications, dietary supplements or drugs. In some cases, rhabdomyolysis may affect athletes such as weight lifters and marathon runners.