Rhabdomyolysis is increasingly being seen in people who push into extreme exercise, rather than only in those hurt by accidents or natural disasters, according to Dr Ng Eng Khim.
The consultant physician, nephrologist and transplant nephrologist at Sunway Medical Centre said the condition is now more commonly linked to intense workouts such as spin cycling and HIIT, where muscles may not be conditioned for the strain. That shift matters because rhabdomyolysis can move from muscle injury to acute kidney failure if it is not recognised early.
Why the trend is changing
Dr Ng said the pattern has moved away from the older cases doctors used to see. In the past, rhabdomyolysis happened more often after muscle injuries from natural disasters or accidents. Now, he said, the trend has shifted towards extreme sports enthusiasts.
He explained that patients often take part in intense exercise despite their muscles not being conditioned for it, which makes them more prone to injury. He also pointed to dehydration, not having sufficient meals before exercising and a sudden change from a sedentary lifestyle to high-intensity exercise as other factors that can lead to the condition.
The warning signs to watch for
Dr Ng said the first signs may start with muscle weakness that becomes severe enough that a person may not be able to squat or even stand up. That can be followed by cola-coloured or dark tea-coloured urine, which he described as an early warning sign.
“Once this happens, you should seek medical advice immediately,” he said. He also warned that if the condition is left unattended, a decline in urine volume can signal that the kidneys are failing.
Why early treatment matters
Rhabdomyolysis is linked to muscle breakdown and the release of myoglobin into the bloodstream. Dr Ng said myoglobin stores oxygen inside muscle cells, but when it is released in excessive amounts after muscle injury, it can block the tubules inside the kidneys and cause kidney failure.
The good news is that the condition can be prevented from progressing to kidney failure if patients receive early hydration and medical care. Dr Ng said prompt action is the key, especially when symptoms appear after strenuous exercise.
Speaking at Sunway Medical Centre in Bandar Sunway, Selangor, he urged people not to dismiss the early signs. In this case, the warning is clear: when the body is telling you something is wrong, waiting can make the damage far worse.
