Exertional rhabdomyolysis, a dangerous medical condition caused by extreme physical exertion, is on the rise as high-intensity workouts gain popularity, according to The Guardian.
The condition occurs when muscle cell contents rupture and enter the bloodstream, potentially overwhelming and damaging the kidneys.
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Doctors diagnose exertional rhabdomyolysis through blood tests measuring creatine kinase (CK) levels, typically identifying the condition when levels reach at least 1,000 units per liter.
However, there is little consensus on this threshold.
"The exact number that warrants diagnosis and inpatient treatment varies, with some recent guidelines suggesting amounts as high as 10,000 units," said Dr. Barry Boden, an orthopaedic surgeon at The Orthopaedic Center in Maryland.
In extreme cases, CK counts can skyrocket, requiring aggressive treatment with intravenous (IV) fluids to help the kidneys filter toxins.
While mild cases may be managed with oral hydration at home, medical consultation is critical because mild symptoms do not always correlate with low CK elevation.
Researchers estimate that approximately 10% of patients with exertional rhabdomyolysis develop acute kidney injury (AKI) and other severe complications.
Data indicates a global rise in cases, with increased hospital records in Norway, Australia, the United States, and Canada.
Fitness experts attribute the surge to misuse of hyperintense exercise routines that combine strength and endurance without proper conditioning.
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"Anybody can get it – anybody that’s pushed to an extreme, taking a big jump in their exercise level, or doing something they’re not used to doing," said Boden.
