Kidney stones are hard, crystal-like deposits that form inside the kidneys when certain substances in the urine become highly concentrated and begin to stick together. Some stones are small enough to pass through the urinary tract without treatment, while larger stones can cause severe pain, blockage, infection, or other complications.
Recognizing the typical signs of kidney stones, understanding the importance of hydration, and knowing when specialist treatment may be required can help you seek appropriate care at the right time.
What Are Kidney Stones?
Kidney stones develop when minerals and salts in the urine become concentrated and form crystals. These crystals can gradually grow into stones.
Kidney stones can vary considerably in size. A small stone may pass naturally, while a larger stone can become lodged in the urinary tract and interfere with the normal flow of urine.
Common types include:
- Calcium stones
- Uric acid stones
- Struvite stones
- Cystine stones
The type of stone can influence treatment and recommendations for preventing future stones.
What Does Kidney Stone Pain Feel Like?
Kidney stone pain is often described as severe and may come in waves as the stone moves through the urinary tract.
One of the most recognizable features is that the location of the pain can change.
1. Pain in the Side or Lower Back
Pain commonly begins in the side or back below the ribs, particularly when a stone is located in or near the kidney.
The pain may be sharp, intense, or cramping and can sometimes come and go in waves.
2. Pain That Moves Toward the Abdomen
As a stone travels from the kidney into the ureter, discomfort may move from the back or side toward the abdomen.
This changing location can be an important clue.
3. Pain That Radiates Toward the Groin
When a stone moves farther down the ureter, pain may radiate toward the lower abdomen, pelvis, or groin.
In men, discomfort may sometimes extend toward the testicle.
4. Pain During Urination
A stone close to the bladder can cause pain or burning during urination.
You may also experience an increased urge to urinate.
Other Symptoms of Kidney Stones
Pain is not the only symptom.
Kidney stones may cause:
- Blood in the urine
- Burning or pain while urinating
- Frequent urination
- An urgent need to urinate
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
- Difficulty passing urine
Some stones cause no symptoms at all and are discovered during imaging performed for another reason.
When Can Kidney Stones Become an Emergency?
A kidney stone requires urgent medical attention when it causes significant obstruction, infection, or severe symptoms.
Seek prompt medical care if you have:
- Severe or persistent pain
- Fever or chills
- Vomiting that prevents you from keeping fluids down
- Difficulty passing urine
- Blood in the urine
- Severe weakness or dizziness
- Kidney stone symptoms accompanied by fever
A blocked urinary tract combined with an infection can become a serious medical emergency and requires immediate evaluation.
Why Hydration Matters
Adequate hydration is one of the most important measures for kidney stone prevention.
When you do not drink enough fluid, your urine becomes more concentrated. Higher concentrations of certain minerals and salts can make crystal formation more likely.
Drinking enough water helps dilute the urine and can reduce the concentration of substances that contribute to some types of kidney stones.
How Much Water Should You Drink?
There is no single amount that is appropriate for everyone. Fluid needs vary according to body size, climate, physical activity, diet, medical conditions, and other factors.
In general, maintaining good hydration and producing an adequate amount of urine is important for people who are prone to kidney stones.
If you have been advised to restrict fluids because of a medical condition, follow your healthcare professional’s recommendations rather than increasing your fluid intake on your own.
Other Factors That Can Increase Kidney Stone Risk
Dehydration is only one risk factor.
Kidney stones may be more likely with:
- A previous history of kidney stones
- Family history of kidney stones
- High intake of certain stone-forming substances
- High dietary sodium intake
- Certain dietary patterns
- Obesity
- Some digestive conditions
- Certain metabolic disorders
- Some medications
- Recurrent urinary tract infections, depending on the type of stone
Understanding your individual risk factors can help with prevention.
Can Kidney Stones Pass Naturally?
Some smaller stones can pass through the urinary tract without a procedure.
Whether a stone is likely to pass naturally depends on factors such as:
- Stone size
- Stone location
- Shape of the stone
- Degree of urinary obstruction
- Presence or absence of infection
- Kidney function
- Severity of symptoms
A healthcare professional may recommend observation and appropriate medication for selected patients.
However, a stone that is too large to pass, causes persistent obstruction, produces severe symptoms, or is associated with infection may require active treatment.
How Are Kidney Stones Diagnosed?
A doctor may assess your symptoms, medical history, and physical examination findings before recommending tests.
Evaluation may include:
- Urine testing
- Blood tests
- Ultrasound
- X-ray in selected cases
- CT scanning when appropriate
Imaging can help determine the stone’s size and location and identify possible urinary obstruction.
Advanced Treatment Options for Kidney Stones
When a kidney stone does not pass naturally or requires intervention, several modern treatment options are available.
The most appropriate approach depends on the stone’s size, location, composition, symptoms, kidney function, and overall health.
1. Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL)
ESWL uses focused shock waves from outside the body to break a kidney stone into smaller fragments.
The smaller pieces can then pass through the urinary tract.
ESWL may be appropriate for selected stones depending on their size and location.
2. Ureteroscopy
During ureteroscopy, a thin instrument is passed through the urinary tract to reach the stone.
Depending on the stone, the specialist may remove it directly or use laser energy to break it into smaller fragments.
Ureteroscopy is commonly used for stones located in the ureter or kidney.
3. Laser Lithotripsy
Laser technology can be used during ureteroscopy to fragment stones into smaller pieces.
This allows the specialist to treat stones that may not be suitable for other approaches.
4. Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy
For larger or more complex kidney stones, a procedure called percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) may be recommended.
A small access tract is created through the skin into the kidney, allowing the stone to be removed or broken into smaller pieces.
PCNL is particularly useful for larger stone burdens and selected complex stones.
5. Other Specialized Approaches
Depending on the patient’s condition, stone characteristics, and available expertise, specialists may recommend other minimally invasive or surgical approaches.
The objective is to remove the stone effectively while protecting kidney function and minimizing complications.
Which Kidney Stone Treatment Is Best?
There is no single procedure that is best for everyone.
Your urologist may consider:
- Stone size
- Stone location
- Number of stones
- Stone composition
- Urinary obstruction
- Infection
- Kidney function
- Previous stone treatments
- Your overall health
- Your preferences and treatment goals
A specialist assessment and appropriate imaging can help determine the safest and most effective approach.
How Can Kidney Stones Be Prevented?
Having one kidney stone increases the possibility of developing another. Prevention therefore becomes particularly important after a stone episode.
Helpful measures may include:
Stay Well Hydrated
Drink enough fluids throughout the day to maintain good urine output, unless your doctor has advised fluid restriction.
Reduce Excessive Sodium
High sodium intake can increase the amount of calcium released into urine, which may contribute to certain kidney stones.
Follow a Balanced Diet
A balanced diet tailored to your individual stone type and risk factors may help reduce recurrence.
Do Not Make Major Dietary Changes Without Advice
Different kidney stones have different causes. A dietary approach that is helpful for one type may not be appropriate for another.
If you have recurrent stones, your doctor may recommend analysis of a passed or removed stone and additional urine or blood testing to identify factors contributing to stone formation.
When Should You See a Urologist?
Consider consulting a urologist if you:
- Have recurrent kidney stones
- Experience repeated severe side or back pain
- Have blood in your urine
- Have difficulty passing urine
- Have a stone that has not passed
- Have recurring urinary symptoms
- Have been diagnosed with a large or complex stone
- Want help preventing future stones
Early specialist assessment can help prevent prolonged obstruction and identify an appropriate treatment strategy.
Don’t Ignore Severe Kidney Stone Symptoms
Kidney stones can range from a minor, temporary problem to a condition requiring urgent treatment.
Severe pain, fever, chills, difficulty passing urine, or persistent vomiting should never be ignored. These symptoms may indicate complications requiring prompt medical assessment.
With modern imaging, minimally invasive procedures, laser technology, and specialized surgical techniques, many kidney stones can now be treated effectively.
Take Steps to Protect Your Kidneys
Adequate hydration, a balanced diet, appropriate medical evaluation, and individualized prevention strategies can all play an important role in reducing the risk of kidney stones.
If you experience the characteristic sharp pain in your side or back that moves toward the abdomen or groin—especially when accompanied by urinary symptoms—seek medical advice to determine the cause.
Kidney Stone Care at Srusti Hospital
If you are experiencing symptoms suggestive of kidney stones or have been diagnosed with a stone, consult a qualified healthcare professional for appropriate evaluation and treatment.
Srusti Hospital
Plot No. 9, Kathagola, Ring Rd, Mangalabag, Cuttack, Odisha 753001
Phone: +91 73810 62525 | 0671-2319600
Email: contact@srustihospitals.com
From diagnosis and imaging to appropriate medical, minimally invasive, or surgical treatment, timely specialist care can help manage kidney stones and protect long-term urinary and kidney health.
