College students playing soccer at the Tufts University athletic fields. On Monday three members of the Tufts University men’s lacrosse team remained hospitalized after participating in a workout led by a graduate who recently completed Navy SEAL training.
The Lowdown on Rhabdomyolysis
A dozen players who participated in an intense workout last Monday were diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis, and nine were hospitalized, according to a university spokesperson. Three of those players are still hospitalized, and the university has pledged to conduct a “thorough review” of the situation.
Understanding Rhabdomyolysis
Rhabdomyolysis, or “rhabdo,” is a condition characterized by the breakdown of muscle tissue, which causes the release of toxic components into the circulatory system. The condition can be caused by physical injury, such as severe burns or trauma, as well as severe overexertion.
The Symptoms to Watch For
The most common symptoms of rhabdo are extreme muscle pain and soreness — “even a few days after you’ve exercised,” as well as swollen extremities. He added that the most common way of diagnosing the condition is through the presence of dark urine, which means myoglobin and other components from dying muscle tissue have entered the bloodstream.
How Common Is Rhabdo?
Rhabdo is relatively uncommon; in the United States, about 26,000 people are diagnosed with the condition every year. And not all those cases are from physical overexertion.
Recovery and Recovery Time
Though some people affected with rhabdomyolysis are discharged after just a few days of treatment, it’s not uncommon to see recovery take far longer — especially considering the potential complications, Gill said.
In conclusion, rhabdomyolysis is a serious condition that can have life-threatening consequences, as seen in the unfortunate case of the Tufts lacrosse players. It serves as a reminder of the importance of safe and effective workout practices in athletic settings.