About Rhabdomyolosis

Rhabdomyolysis, often called rhabdo, happens when damaged muscle tissue releases proteins and salts called electrolytes into the blood. These substances can harm the kidneys and heart, and the condition can be fatal. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent serious complications.

Common symptoms include muscle cramps, aches, or pain that are more severe than expected; dark urine that looks like tea or cola; and feeling unusually weak or tired. You may find it hard to finish everyday tasks or a workout you could previously complete. Symptoms may begin hours or days after a muscle injury, and you may have one or more of these symptoms.

Seek medical care right away if you have any of these symptoms. Do not wait for all of them to appear. Symptoms alone cannot confirm rhabdo because conditions such as dehydration and heat cramps can feel similar. A healthcare provider can use blood tests to check for muscle damage.

Rhabdomyolysis can cause muscle aching, stiffness, tenderness, and weakness, along with dark, red, or cola-colored urine. You may also urinate less than usual. Severe cases can lead to serious complications, including kidney failure, dangerous changes in blood electrolyte levels, abnormal heart rhythms, and seizures. Symptoms alone cannot tell you how severe the condition is; a healthcare provider needs to assess you with blood tests and other tests as needed.

Seek medical care right away if you have symptoms of rhabdomyolysis—do not wait for them to become severe. Moderate to severe cases may require hospital care and fluids given through a vein (IV). In the hospital, healthcare professionals can monitor kidney function, heart rhythm, and electrolyte levels and treat complications. Some people may need dialysis if their kidneys are not working properly. Early treatment can help reduce the risk of permanent kidney damage.

If symptoms of rhabdomyolysis appear or worsen, seek medical care right away. You may have one or more of the following symptoms:

• Muscle cramps, aches, or pain that are more severe than expected
• Dark urine that looks like tea or cola
• Unusual weakness or tiredness that makes it hard to finish everyday tasks or a workout you could previously complete

Do not wait for all symptoms to appear or become severe. If you suspect rhabdomyolysis:

• Stop the activity you are doing.
• Seek immediate care at the nearest medical facility.
• Drink water while arranging care, but do not rely on fluids or rest instead of medical treatment.

Symptoms can begin hours or days after muscle injury. Symptoms alone cannot confirm rhabdomyolysis; a healthcare provider can check for it with blood tests. Moderate to severe cases may require hospital care and fluids through a vein (IV), with monitoring of kidney function, heart rhythm, and electrolyte levels. Early treatment can help prevent serious complications.

Seek medical care right away if you develop muscle cramps, aches, or pain that are more severe than expected; dark urine that looks like tea or cola; or unusual weakness or tiredness. You do not need to have all of these symptoms to need care. Symptoms may appear hours or days after a muscle injury.

Urinating less than usual is another symptom of rhabdomyolysis that needs prompt medical assessment. Do not wait for symptoms to become severe. Symptoms alone cannot confirm rhabdomyolysis, and a healthcare provider can use blood tests to check for muscle damage.

Call 911 or your local emergency number right away for trouble breathing, loss of consciousness, new confusion or difficulty waking, or bleeding that will not stop. These are emergency warning signs, whether or not rhabdomyolysis is the cause.