Kidney Stones Treatment Guide: Symptoms, Options & Prevention

Overview

Kidney stones (also called renal calculi or urolithiasis) are hard, pebble-like deposits made of minerals and salts that form inside your kidneys. They develop when your urine becomes concentrated, allowing minerals to stick together and crystallize. While kidney stones can form in anyone, they are roughly twice as common in men, often first appearing between ages 30 and 50. Most small stones pass through your urinary tract on their own with minimal treatment, but larger or stuck stones can cause intense pain and require medical intervention.

Signs & Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending on the size and location of the stone. A small stone may cause no symptoms at all, while a stone moving through your urinary tract can trigger sudden, severe discomfort. Common signs include:

• Sharp, cramping pain in your side or back (flank) that may come in waves and radiate to your lower abdomen or groin (this is called renal colic)
• Pain or burning when you urinate
• Blood in your urine (pink, red, or brown discoloration)
• Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
• Nausea and vomiting
• Frequent need to urinate, or urinating only small amounts
• Fever and chills (if an infection is present)

Causes & Risk Factors

Kidney stones form when your urine has high levels of crystal-forming substances like calcium, oxalate, and uric acid, and not enough fluid to dilute them. Common risk factors for men include:

• Not drinking enough water (urine becomes concentrated)
• Diet high in sodium, animal protein, or oxalate-rich foods (like spinach, nuts, and chocolate)
• Family history of kidney stones
• Obesity or high body mass index (BMI)
• Certain medical conditions, including gout, inflammatory bowel disease, or chronic urinary tract infections
• Use of certain medications, such as diuretics or calcium-based antacids

Diagnosis

If your provider suspects kidney stones, they will start with a physical exam and ask about your symptoms, diet, and family history. They may order one or more of the following tests to confirm the diagnosis and plan treatment:

Treatment & Management

Treatment depends on the size, type, and location of the stone, as well as the severity of your symptoms. Small stones (usually less than 5mm) often pass on their own with at-home care, while larger or complicated stones require medical procedures.

• At-home care for small stones: Drink 2-3 liters of water daily to help flush the stone out, take over-the-counter pain relievers (ibuprofen or acetaminophen) as directed, and use a heating pad on your flank to ease cramping. Your provider may prescribe an alpha-blocker medication to relax the muscles in your ureter to help the stone pass more easily.
• Medical procedures for larger stones: Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) uses sound waves to break large stones into small pieces that can pass in your urine. Ureteroscopy uses a small scope to remove or break up stones stuck in the ureter. Percutaneous nephrolithotomy is a minimally invasive surgery used for very large or complex stones.
• Pain management: For severe pain, your provider may prescribe stronger pain medication or anti-nausea drugs to help you manage symptoms while the stone passes or after a procedure.

Living With It & Preventing Future Stones

If you have had one kidney stone, you have a 50% chance of developing another within 5-10 years. Making long-term lifestyle changes can significantly reduce your risk of future episodes and protect your kidney health over time.