RRC Archives

Is it (somewhat) common for climbing to lead to rhabdomyolysis? Does anyone here have information related to that condition?

not that I know of, but I guess its plausible.

I wouldn't worry about it. It's never rhabdo on House. Ever. Foreman likes rhabdo, but he's wrong.

I could not imagine a scenario where you could climb enough for that to happen. Your grip strength and pulling muscles would give out way before rhabdo. I'm in no way qualified to make this statement, but having read articles on rhabdo and the type of excercise happening when the condition occurred, its doesn't seem likely.

Just my opinion.

I think this will only happen when a very large amount of muscle is damaged. Climbing is not going to impact much muscle mass (forearms are tiny compared to your legs).

you would need to workout a large amount, not drink water afterwards, and be in poor(er)kidney health for it to possibly happen.

if your kidneys suck that bad i'm guessing you couldn't get to that point of exertion to begin with.

maybe a long climbing day with no water and then a traumatic incidence right as you get to the car may do it. any volunteers??

yeah, you could. You use many more muscle groups than forearms rock climbing. That said, the degree of rhabdo is proportional to the muscle mass involved.
Deconditioned person, hot day, dehydrated, and just totally overdoing it could lead to significant muscle breakdown. Kidney health has nothing to do with developing rhabdo. Rhabdo occurs with army recruits all the time and they are young fit guys. Kidney failure secondary to rhabdo, however, would probably need the context of poor kidney health.

thanks doc.

Yeah, thanks. Pata, Lurk is one of about 3 people on here to listen to. Others would include bob and HeavyC.

rhabdomyolysis after crush injury or reperfusion injury commonly leads to renal failure in healthy kidneys; reported rarely in effort related rhabdo, usually in conjunction with compartment syndrome