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Serious Dangers of Exercising Too Seriously

Long ago, Benjamin Franklin told us to use "moderation in all things." Exercise is one of those things. Weekend warriors, especially the ones who aren't in shape, can get into trouble with too much exercise too quickly.

Military physical therapists report a case of acute exertional rhabdomyolysis (AER) in a soldier with a desk job. A 20-year old soldier who'd completed basic training seven months earlier came to the clinic with shoulder pain and weakness after doing "hundreds of push ups." The exercise session took place 36 hours before the symptoms started.

AER results from breakdown of skeletal muscles. With overuse, the muscle can start to break down and dump the contents of overworked cells into the bloodstream. This is most likely to happen after doing squat exercises, sit-ups and crunches, push-ups, and heavy weight lifting.

Several problems can occur, the worst of which is kidney failure. The kidneys can get plugged up from trying to filter the cells from the muscle breakdown. AER with kidney failure can result in death.

Physical therapists are trained to recognize all kinds of problems. Early signs and symptoms of AER include muscle soreness, brown or tea-colored urine, and a history of recent overuse activity. Anyone suspected of having rhabdomyolysis must be sent to a doctor or to the emergency room right away. Early treatment can save the patient's life.

People at risk for AER are often in poor physical condition. Exercising in hot, humid areas without enough fluids adds to this risk. Exercising gradually over a period of time can prevent conditions like this one. A single, intense workout puts people at risk of AER, not to mention problems of tendonitis, muscle tears, or bone stress fractures.

References: Richard E. Baxter, PT, DSc, OCS, ATC, and Josef H. Moore, PT, PhD, SCS, ATC. Diagnosis and Treatment of Acute Exertional Rhabdomyolysis. In Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy. March 2003. Vol. 33. No. 3. Pp. 104-108.

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