Diagnosis and Treatment of Acute Exertional Rhabdomyolysis

Abstract

This case report involving a 20-year-old male in the military serves as a reminder that not every individual presenting with musculoskeletal dysfunction has a simple uncomplicated musculoskeletal problem. Always consider acute exertional rhabdomyolysis (AER) as a differential diagnosis in patients who have performed intense exercise recently and are now complaining of muscle pain and weakness, especially if they have any of the AER risk factors discussed in this report (poor physical condition, exercising in a hot, humid environment, and poor fluid intake). These patients have an excellent prognosis if AER is caught early and treated aggressively. However, serious complications can occur if AER is overlooked or dismissed as delayed onset muscle soreness. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2003;33(3):104–108.