Exercise-Induced Rhabdomyolysis

Abstract

Rhabdomyolysis is a debilitating condition that promotes muscle breakdown and eventually leads to renal dysfunction if not properly managed. The initial presentation may involve lower-extremity muscles, making the foot and ankle specialist one of the first specialists to recognize and diagnose this condition. Proper management of renal function is the primary concern; however, the underlying muscle breakdown needs to be addressed and the condition managed to prevent future problems. In this article we discuss treatment of a patient with exercise-induced rhabdomyolysis; a rehabilitation regimen is presented whose purpose is to condition muscles in order to prevent recurrence of exercise-induced muscle destruction after an acute event. (J Am Podiatr Med Assoc 97(3): 234–237, 2007)