Could I Be Experiencing Rhabdomyolysis?
I’m a 30-year-old male. What do these test results indicate? Should I consider going back for intravenous treatment? After taking a break from exercise for a couple of months, I worked out both Saturday and Sunday. By Monday, my arms felt extremely sore. Initially, I thought it was just delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS), but I noticed that my right arm was more swollen than usual. Fortunately, the swelling isn't accompanied by any sharp pain, just the standard muscle soreness. I went to the hospital for some tests yesterday, where my creatine kinase (CK) level was reported at greater than 22,000, which is significantly elevated. However, the doctor reassured me that I do not have rhabdomyolysis and suggested that I simply need to hydrate properly. He also performed a d-dimer test and wants to run a CT scan to rule out any clots. Regarding my CK level, should the results have been presented as a specific number rather than a range? The notation indicating that it is greater than 22,000 seems vague and doesn't provide a precise reading.
Answers (1)
2/11/2026, 12:20:42 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to be concerned about your symptoms and test results. Based on the information you provided, you have elevated creatine kinase (CK) levels, which can be alarming, especially after a period of intense exercise. However, it’s encouraging that a doctor has already assessed your situation and suggested that rhabdomyolysis is unlikely.
Understanding Your Situation:
- Elevated CK Levels: A CK level greater than 22,000 is indeed very high, typically indicating muscle damage. However, elevated CK alone does not confirm rhabdomyolysis without additional clinical signs, like dark urine, significant muscle swelling, or acute kidney injury.
- Initial Symptoms: The soreness and swelling you've experienced might still align more with delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) or another muscular condition rather than rhabdomyolysis.
- Next Steps in Care: Hydration is crucial, and ongoing monitoring will help ensure your kidneys are functioning well and that there's no further muscle damage.
Actionable Steps:
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Hydrate Actively: Drink plenty of fluids, ideally water or electrolyte-replenishing beverages, to help your kidneys filter out the elevated CK levels. Aim for at least 2-3 liters a day, depending on your activity level.
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Rest and Monitor Symptoms: Allow your muscles some recovery time. Avoid any strenuous workouts until your symptoms improve and follow up on the results of the d-dimer test and CT scan that your doctor suggested. This will help rule out any serious conditions such as blood clots.
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Follow-Up on Test Results: When you receive results from the CT scan and other tests, consider discussing with your doctor if they can provide a specific CK number instead of a vague notation. Knowing the exact number may help you and your healthcare provider better understand any changes in your condition.
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Observe for Warning Signs: Watch for symptoms that would warrant immediate medical attention, such as dark red or brown urine, severe pain, increased swelling, or other changes that could indicate a worsening condition.
By focusing on hydration and allowing your muscles time to recover, you’ll support your health effectively. If your symptoms persist or you have ongoing concerns, consider contacting your healthcare provider for further guidance.
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