Kidney Stones: What You Need to Know

Kidney stones are one of the most common urological problems, and if you have ever had one, you will never forget it. The pain is often described as one of the worst a person can experience. But what exactly are kidney stones, and what can you do about them?

Kidney stones form when certain minerals and salts in your urine crystallize and clump together inside the kidney. They can be as small as a grain of sand or as large as a golf ball. Small stones often pass on their own through the urine. Larger stones may need treatment.

The most common symptom is severe pain in the side or back, just below the ribs. The pain often comes in waves and can spread to the lower abdomen and groin. You may also notice blood in your urine, feel nauseous, or need to urinate more frequently than usual.

Not all stones are the same. The most common type is made of calcium oxalate. Others are made of uric acid, struvite, or cystine. Knowing the type of stone matters because it guides treatment and prevention.

Treatment depends on the size and location of the stone. Small stones are managed with fluids and pain relief. Larger stones may need laser treatment through a flexible camera passed into the kidney, a procedure called ureteroscopy, or shockwave therapy that breaks the stone from outside the body.

The good news is that most kidney stones are preventable. Drinking enough water throughout the day is the single most effective thing you can do. Reducing salt, animal protein, and foods high in oxalate also helps. If you have had stones before, a metabolic assessment can identify why they formed and how to stop them coming back.

If you are experiencing flank pain, blood in your urine, or have a history of kidney stones, a urology consultation is worthwhile.