Rhabdomyolysis is a medical condition which is characterized by rapid destruction of the skeletal muscle cells, which results in excretion of muscle protein called myoglobin in the urine. Skeletal muscles play a vital role in ensuring movement of the various voluntary muscles in the body.
While there are several causes that can trigger the breakdown of muscle tissue, there are certain home based treatment options to manage the symptoms of muscle breakdown at home.
What Are The Causes Of Rhabdomyolysis?
There are several causes for the development of rhabdomyolysis; however some of the commonly known frequent causes of the condition include the following,
- Sudden injury or trauma to the muscles as a result of a crush or an accident. Severe burns, bruises or abuse can also trigger destruction of skeletal muscles.
- People suffering from coma or lying down on the ground for prolonged periods of time can also trigger rhabdomyolysis.
- Cocaine abuse, drug and alcohol intoxication can result in hyperthermia, which can trigger rhabdomyolysis.
- Extreme physical activity can also trigger rhabdomyolysis.
- Certain medications, bacterial or viral infection can also result in muscle breakdown.
- Hypothyroidism, low levels of potassium, magnesium or phosphate in blood can also trigger muscle breakdown.
- Snake bites, poor blood circulation and inflammatory muscle disorders are also associated with muscle breakdown.
Symptoms Of Skeletal Muscle Breakdown
Some of the common symptoms associated with sudden breakdown of muscles include the following,
- Aching of muscles and pain are some of the most commonly observed symptoms.
- Stiffness and rigidity along with generalized weakness of muscles is also common feature.
- Muscle breakdown is accompanied with dark colored urine, primarily due to excretion of myoglobin in the urine.
The severity of the symptoms would vary depending upon the involvement of the muscles and the age of the individual.
Treatment For Muscle Breakdown
The treatment of rhabdomyolysis depends upon the underlying cause. However here are some simple basic considerations that can be useful in the management of rhabdomyolysis,
- Ensure that you are well hydrated. Replace the electrolyte loss that may have occurred due to dehydration, blood loss or injury.
- Ensure that your diet is rich in amino acids and proteins. Even if some of the proteins are lost in the urine, they can be readily replaced by the proteins in your diet. However talk to your physician before making a dietary change.
- Treat hypothyroidism and other endocrinal disorders that may trigger muscle protein breakdown.
- Homeopathic remedies like Bryonia, Rhus Tox and Rhuta are very useful in treatment of muscle pain especially caused due to weakness and fatigue. It is recommended to consume these homeopathic remedies in low potency, repeated over several times in a day.
If however, these simple home based treatments don’t work, hospitalization may become imperative. Intravenous fluids may be administered to the patient and the kidney functions are monitored. Electrolyte balance is regulated and muscle enzyme levels in the blood are constantly monitored to observe the progress of the condition.