Muscle Meltdown: Rhabdomyolysis, After Shock of Overkill

Most gyms today incorporate cardio machines, free weights, and strength training. One is likely to get everything to pursue a balanced workout time. Exercise and sports go hand in hand with health and quality of life.

Lance Armstrong, the Texan cyclist who overcame life-threatening cancer, went on to win the Tour de France a record seven successive times. He became a legend in sporting history and inspired his fans.

Spin classes have been around for many decades. But they have gradually developed a cult following as many rave about biking. It turns out that it is one of the best exercises with health benefits. Spin class mixes all elements of cycling, climbing, intervals, sitting, standing, and rest periods to make every movement enjoyable on the bike.

Typically, a spin class lasts from 20 minutes to 90 minutes. Resistance up, resistance down, fast cadence, slow cadence, climbing position, aero-position, sprint; come one after the other, thick and fast; so, does your heart rate and muscle strain. ^[1]

Hitting out to the gym is rising among the young generation amidst getting a perfect body shape.

The error that mars the experience of the gym is working way too hard. Such enthusiasts end up tired and uncomfortable and ruin the entire experience for themselves. They are exhausted and heartbroken. The trick is to go slow and let the confidence build up gradually.

Individuals with myoglobin, creatinine kinase, aldolase, and lactate dehydrogenase in blood circulation develop severe complications in the body. Acute renal failure and disseminated intravascular coagulation that occur can be life-threatening.

Let us hear what Dr. Sermed Mezher says about overdoing, giving all while exercising, and ignoring well-meaning advice.

'Rhabdo' or rhabdomyolysis occurs when

• An untrained person does over-exercising

• Exercises involving muscle lengthening and downhill exercises  

• When done for a long time beyond personal capacity.

The other causes are genetic, substance abuse, dehydration, and long periods of inactivity.

Myalgia

Pain in one or more muscles is a primary symptom of myalgia. The pain develops suddenly or gradually. It depends on the cause and part of the body affected.

Transient muscle weakness.

Lack of muscle strength makes every activity and movement challenging. Aging, fatigue, recovery from intense exercise or strength training, and poor physical conditioning cause it.

Pigmenturia

The abnormal color of urine develops due to the presence of pigments. This pigment can be from within the body, endogenous or outside the body, or exogenous. Myoglobin gives urine, dark tea, or cola color. In rhabdomyolysis, this pigment is myoglobin, which is formed due to muscle breakdown. ^[1]

Myoglobin and creatine kinase in urine and blood tests indicate intracellular breakdown. Their presence in urine is significant in making rhabdomyolysis a life-threatening condition.  

The treatment aims to preserve renal functions and restore metabolic derangement. Early and adequate fluid replacement prevents acute renal failure. The quicker the treatment, the greater the damage control. Furthermore, the body needs rest. Have it. A word of caution here is to avoid taking painkillers like ibuprofen to relieve pain. ^[1,2]

It is essential to stay hydrated for the following reasons.

Maintains performance

Dehydration decreases physical performance. Water is essential for maintaining energy levels, proper blood flow, and muscle function during exercise.

Regulates body temperature

Sweating helps to cool down the body. Without water, overheating, heat exhaustion, and even stroke can occur.

Prevents Muscle cramps

Sodium, potassium, and magnesium are electrolytes that help to maintain proper muscle functions. Dehydration causes a shift in electrolyte balance and leads to painful muscle cramps during and after exercise. 

Heart Health

 As the blood becomes viscous, pumping blood to various organs becomes difficult for the heart. Blood volume decreases when fluid levels are low. Therefore, the heart rate and strain on the heart increase.

Recovery

Hydration flushes out metabolic waste in toxins produced by muscles during physical exertion.

Rhabdomyolysis is a serious medical condition with potentially life-threatening complications if left untreated. Understanding rhabdomyolysis empowers individuals to protect their health and mitigate the dangers of this condition.

Incidences of exercise or exertion-induced stresses are rising in the younger generation, driven by the pursuit of the perfect body. Social media has intensified this quest for fame and validation. However, true success lies in health and well-being, not fleeting attention. Don't let the spotlight or limelight dim your inner strength and vitality for the long term. ^[3]

1. Kumar, Ravi, Sanjay Kumar, Ankeet Kumar, Deepak Kumar, and Vikash Kumar. “Exercise-Induced Rhabdomyolysis Causing Acute Kidney Injury: A Potential Threat to Gym Lovers.” Cureus 14, no. 8: e28046. Accessed October 2, 2024. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.28046.

2. Zutt, R., A. J. van der Kooi, G. E. Linthorst, R. J. A. Wanders, and M. de Visser. “Rhabdomyolysis: Review of the Literature.” Neuromuscular Disorders 24, no. 8 (August 1, 2014): 651–59. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nmd.2014.05.005.

3. Cancer Therapy Advisor. “Pigment Nephropathy,” January 17, 2019. https://www.cancertherapyadvisor.com/home/decision-support-in-medicine/critical-care-medicine/pigment-nephropathy/.

By Dr. Swati Sharma