Kidney stones are hard deposits of minerals that form inside your kidneys. Many people describe kidney stone pain as the worst pain of their life. The pain often begins suddenly in the lower back or side and can move toward the abdomen or groin.
The good news is that many kidney stones pass on their own. When they do not, safe and effective treatment options are available. As long as kidney stones pass or are treated, they usually do not cause long-term damage.
At Banner Health, our urology team provides advanced testing and minimally invasive treatments to relieve pain and reduce your risk of future stones.
Kidney stones, also called nephrolithiasis, are solid pieces of material that form when minerals and salts build up in your urine. They usually develop when there is too much of a certain mineral, most commonly calcium, and not enough fluid to dilute the urine.
Stones form in the kidney but can travel through the urinary tract, including the ureter, bladder and urethra. They can be as small as a grain of sand or grow much larger depending on mineral buildup.
Pain usually begins when a stone blocks the flow of urine.
Kidney stone symptoms can vary depending on size and location. Common signs include:
If you are unsure what is causing your pain, contact your doctor. They can determine whether your symptoms are due to kidney stones or another kidney problem.
Seek immediate medical care if you have severe pain you cannot tolerate or pain along with fever, infection symptoms or difficulty urinating.
Kidney stones can cause sharp, cramping pain that moves. A kidney infection may cause steady back pain along with fever, chills and feeling unwell.
If you have fever over 101 degrees, shaking chills or worsening pain, seek emergency care. An infected kidney stone is a medical emergency.
There are five main types of kidney stones, and each has a different cause:
Identifying the stone type helps guide treatment and prevention.
Certain conditions increase your risk. Some risk factors are controllable, and others are not.
The most common cause of kidney stones is not drinking enough fluids.
A diet high in sodium and animal protein increases your risk. Eating very high amounts of certain nuts and vegetables that contain oxalate may also increase risk in some people.
You are more likely to develop kidney stones if you have had them before or if a family member has had them.
People who are obese have higher rates of kidney stone formation.
Certain medications increase risk, including:
You may have a higher chance of developing kidney stones if you have:
Blockages in the urinary tract can also lead to stones forming.
Kidney stones were once thought to be more common in men. Today, they are believed to affect men and women more equally.
They are more common in people over age 30 but are becoming increasingly common in children.
Children who are immobile, such as those in a cast after surgery, are at higher risk because their bones may release extra calcium into the bloodstream.
The time it takes depends on the size of the stone.
Small stones may pass in a few days. Larger stones may take weeks or require treatment.
Pain often occurs when the stone blocks urine drainage from the kidney. If this blockage causes kidney swelling, it is called hydronephrosis and requires treatment.
Seek immediate care if you have:
These symptoms may indicate blockage, infection or kidney swelling.
If your symptoms suggest a kidney stone, your doctor may recommend:
Additional testing such as kidney function testing or, in rare cases, biopsy may be used to rule out other causes of symptoms.
Most small stones pass on their own, especially if they are under 5 mm.
Your doctor may prescribe:
These medications can help facilitate stone passage and manage pain.
If you have only one kidney, your doctor may recommend more aggressive treatment to protect kidney function.
When stones do not pass on their own, procedures may be needed.
If you pass a kidney stone at home, try to save it in a clean container. Your doctor can send it to a lab for analysis.
Stone analysis determines what the stone is made of.
You can lower your risk by focusing on hydration and diet.
If you take calcium supplements, talk to your doctor about whether they are necessary. Supplements may increase risk, but calcium in food does not.
If you have had kidney stones before:
Without prevention, up to half of people develop another stone within five years.
Choosing the right health care provider for kidney stone treatment matters. Banner Health offers comprehensive, state-of-the-art care using advanced imaging and minimally invasive procedures.
Our experienced urologists create personalized treatment plans designed to relieve pain quickly and prevent future stones. From diagnosis to recovery, our team focuses on protecting your kidney health and overall well-being.
If you are experiencing kidney stone symptoms, schedule an appointment with a Banner Health provider or seek emergency care if your pain is severe.
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