Compartment Syndrome, Rhabdomyolysis, Albert Haynesworth Diagnosed

Compartment Syndrome

Albert Haynesworth of the Washington Redskins, has rhabdomyolysis which sidelined Haynesworth in practice last week. The condition causes the rapid breakdown of skeletal muscle due to injury to muscle tissue. Under extreme circumstances the like extremely hot weather, a person could have large amounts of muscle breakdown, according to Dr. Lynne P. Yao, chairman-elect of the National Kidney Foundation.

This week, a more serious variant of Rhabdomyolysis, compartment syndrome occured in 30 high school football players in McMinnville, Oregon. All were sent to the hospital and evaluated, 14 were admitted and three required surgery.

The symptoms are telling on how serious this can be, an acute form of malady, pain, pressure, paresthesia (numbness), paralysis and pulsenlessness.

Upon questioning the players, then indicated that they attended a workout session in an enclosed room with temperatures reaching 115 degrees, and focused specifically on tricep exercises. Each player had an increase of enzyme creatine kinase, which the body releases when the muscles are injured. Creatine is also used in building muscle as a supplement, and has been associated with other sports-related injuries.

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