Could severe muscle pain and dark urine after intense exercise be rhabdomyolysis?

Doctor’s answer

Yes. Rhabdomyolysis may cause marked muscle pain, swelling, weakness, and tea-coloured urine, and severe cases can lead to acute kidney injury. Stop exercising and seek prompt testing of creatine kinase, kidney function, and electrolytes. Do not try to manage significant symptoms by simply drinking large amounts of water.

This content is for education. Diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation require an individual assessment by a sports medicine specialist.