Activities that Pose ER Risk
Who and what activities are at risk for exertional rhabdomyolysis? Rhabdomyolysis sadly can affect anyone as crush injuries and accidents are major causes. However, when it comes to exertional rhabdomyolysis, certain groups of people and activities pose especially greater risk.
Firefighters and Anyone Susceptible to Dehydration
According to CDC News, firefighters have an increased chance of developing Rhabdo. This is because their core temperature gets elevated due to exposure to fire, wearing lots of gear, and strenuous activity such as carrying heavy equipment. This strenuous activity also contributes to the risk of developing exertional Rhabdo. The early symptoms the firefighters feel are again dark-colored urine, feeling unusually tired or weak, and muscle cramps or pains.
Spin, CrossFit and Other Extreme Exercise
According to the New York Times, 47 cases of Rhabdo were reported due to a Spin class. Spin is a cycling class with extra heavy wheels that focuses on strength and endurance; it is also high-intensity. 43 of the 47 reported cases were the patients' first time trying the class. One specific patient, Christina D'Ambrosio, was a kindergarten teacher and decided to try a Spin class for the first time. The hour-long cycling class was way out of her comfort zone and her body was not used to that kind of exertion. By the end of the class, her legs were sore and wobbly. Over the next couple of days, her urine turned dark brown, her legs throbbed with intense pain whenever she moved her legs, and she began to feel nauseated.