Am I Experiencing Rhabdomyolysis?
I'm a 19-year-old female and recently engaged in a treadmill session for about 20-25 minutes, set at an incline of 10 and a speed of 3. Afterwards, I reduced both the incline and speed, walking for another 10-15 minutes. Additionally, I completed a brief leg workout without weights, marking my return to exercise after some time away from college. I've been less active at home compared to my usual campus routine. Today, approximately 13 hours ago, I pushed myself more during my workout than I did on Monday. Throughout the day, I've been feeling a noticeable weakness in my thighs. While I can still manage to climb stairs, they do feel less strong than usual. Earlier, I urinated, and although the color wasn’t brown, it was a darker shade of yellow, which suggests I might be a bit dehydrated. I'm feeling quite anxious about the possibility of rhabdomyolysis and am unsure of the best course of action. To remedy the situation, I'm currently consuming plenty of water mixed with liquid IV to replenish my hydration and encourage urination. I'm open to sharing a photo of my urine color through direct messages if needed. To be cautious, I’ve decided to refrain from any workouts for a full week. When I resume exercising, I plan to take it extremely easy to avoid any further issues. 😅
Answers (1)
7/10/2025, 3:30:53 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're experiencing some muscle fatigue and dehydration after your recent return to exercise, which is quite common after a break. However, your feelings of anxiety about rhabdomyolysis are valid, especially given your symptoms. Let's break this down:
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Understanding Rhabdomyolysis: This condition occurs when muscle tissue breaks down and releases protein (myoglobin) into the bloodstream, which can lead to kidney damage. Common symptoms include severe muscle pain, weakness, swelling, and dark urine. While you're not experiencing brown urine, the darker shade of yellow may indicate some degree of dehydration, which is something you are already addressing by increasing your fluid intake.
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Your Symptoms: The weakness in your thighs and darker urine could suggest mild exertion-related muscle soreness, particularly after an intense workout following a period of inactivity. This is often referred to as delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS).
Next Steps:
Prioritize Hydration and Recovery:
- Continue Hydrating: Keep drinking water throughout the day. Your use of liquid IV is helpful for electrolyte replenishment.
- Rest: Allow your muscles time to recover by avoiding intense exercise for at least a week, which you already planned. Gentle stretching or light activity like walking may maintain circulation without overexertion.
Monitor Your Symptoms:
- Check Urine Color: Keep an eye on your urine color. If it becomes significantly darker or if you experience new symptoms such as extreme muscle pain, swelling, or decreased urine output, it could indicate a more serious issue.
- Watch for Other Signs: Be alert to symptoms like severe fatigue, nausea, confusion, or swelling in your muscle areas.
Gradually Resume Exercise:
- When you feel ready to return to exercise, start with low-intensity activities and gradually increase the intensity. Aim for shorter sessions and listen to your body’s signals.
Reassurance and Support:
- It's completely normal to feel cautious after pushing your body, especially if you haven't been as active recently. Taking it slow and ensuring proper hydration will help you recover well. If anxiety about your symptoms persists or worsens, seeking guidance from a healthcare professional would be wise, but monitoring yourself with these steps should provide clarity and comfort.
Feel free to reach out if you have more questions or if your symptoms change!
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