Rhabdo for Beginners – How to Avoid it

Rhabdomyolysis is abbreviated as Rhabdo. This condition occurs when muscle cells burst and their contents spill into the bloodstream.¹  Luckily, it is quite uncommon. This can result in a variety of issues, including:

• muscle pain (often severe)
• weakness
• dark or brown urine.

The damage can be bad enough that is causes kidney damage. One of the causes of rhabdo is intense physical exertion. The side effects of medication, the use of alcohol, drug abuse, infections, and crushing trauma can trigger it as well. Fortunately, most rhabdo patients do not become ill enough that they require hospitalization. However, if you experience any of these symptoms after a strenuous workout, you should make an appointment with your doctor. A simple blood and urine test can tell you if you are experiencing this condition and medical professionals can get you the treatment you need.

At home treatment for Rhabdomyolysis

Hopefully, you are excited about your new workout routine and want to succeed. And that’s fantastic. But go slowly if this is your first time exercising.  You want to push your body but not to the point of exhaustion. If you’re working with a personal trainer, be sure to let them know your current fitness level and health issues. Furthermore:

• Make sure you get plenty of water. This helps lower your risk and keeps your kidneys flushed out.
• Anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen and naproxen should be avoided. If your kidney function is compromised, these will make it worse.
• Don’t drink (booze). Because alcohol is a diuretic, it will cause you to become more dehydrated and make things even worse than they already are.

If you experience serious pain or exhaustion after your workout, its time to call your doctor. The majority of rhabdo cases can be treated at home by just drinking a lot more fluids.  You might need an IV your muscle enzyme levels are too high or if you have symptoms of kidney problems.  In some circumstances, people end up in the hospital or even the ICU for closer monitoring and treatment.

Increasing your exercise safely, so you don’t experience rhabdo

The unlikely risk of rhabdo is not an excuse to slack off.  It is only really a concern at all for folks that are starting an exercise program, not ones that have done it for a while.  The fact is, the more intense your workout, the better the results.  This just isn’t necessarily the case for those just starting out.  So, if you haven’t been active and want to start, be smart and train your muscles to adapt to your new activity.

Watch out for trainers who may push you too hard to the point of exhaustion. That should not be your goal when you are first starting a brand-new routine. A good trainer should get to know you and will tailor the exercise routine to your level of fitness. Adding a new workout to your day is probably one of the healthiest habits you can incorporate, but don’t overdo it.  Instead push slowly but consistently, challenging your body toward wellness and better function.

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