Kidney Stones: A Comprehensive Guide
Medically reviewed by Andre Stone | MD, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine on August 24th, 2026.
Published on April 5th, 2026. Updated on August 28th, 2026.
Key Takeaways
Kidney stones are hard mineral deposits that form in the kidneys and can cause severe pain when passing through the urinary tract
The most common type is calcium oxalate stones, accounting for about 80% of all kidney stones
Small stones may pass naturally with increased fluid intake, while larger stones may require medical intervention
Prevention focuses on staying hydrated, dietary changes, and managing underlying health conditions
Most people who develop kidney stones will have recurring episodes without proper prevention measures
Overview
Kidney stones are hard, crystalline deposits that form inside your kidneys when minerals and salts in your urine become concentrated. These stones can range in size from tiny grains of sand to golf ball-sized masses. When stones move through your urinary tract, they can cause intense pain and other uncomfortable symptoms.
About 1 in 10 people will develop a kidney stone at some point in their lives. Men are more likely to develop kidney stones than women, with the highest risk occurring between ages 30 and 50. The condition affects people worldwide, but rates are higher in developed countries due to dietary and lifestyle factors.
Kidney stones form when your urine contains more crystal-forming substances than the fluid can dilute. This can happen when you're dehydrated, eat certain foods, or have underlying medical conditions. Understanding the different types and causes helps with both treatment and prevention of future stones.
Symptoms & Signs
Kidney stone symptoms vary depending on the size and location of the stone. Small stones may cause no symptoms at all, while larger stones or those that move can cause severe discomfort.
Primary Symptoms
Severe pain in the side, back, or lower abdomen that comes in waves and fluctuates in intensity
Burning sensation during urination or difficulty urinating
Blood in urine that may appear pink, red, or brown
Nausea and vomiting often accompanying the intense pain episodes
Frequent urination or feeling the urgent need to urinate
Cloudy or foul-smelling urine indicating possible infection
Fever and chills if a urinary tract infection develops
When to Seek Care
You should contact a healthcare provider if you experience severe pain that prevents you from sitting still or finding a comfortable position. Blood in your urine, fever with chills, or difficulty urinating are also warning signs that need medical attention.
When to Seek Immediate Care
Get emergency medical help if you have fever or chills with possible kidney stone symptoms, cannot urinate or can only urinate a small amount, or have severe pain or vomiting that you cannot manage. These symptoms may indicate a serious complication requiring immediate treatment.
Causes & Risk Factors
Kidney stones form when your urine becomes supersaturated with minerals and lacks enough liquid to keep them dissolved. Several factors contribute to this concentration process.
Age
Most common between ages 30-50, rare in children
Genetics
Family history increases risk by 2-3 times
Lifestyle
High sodium diet, low fluid intake, sedentary behavior
Other Conditions
Diabetes, obesity, gout, inflammatory bowel disease
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Diagnosis
Healthcare providers use several methods to diagnose kidney stones and determine the best treatment approach.
Medical History & Physical Examination
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, pain location and intensity, urination patterns, and family history of kidney stones. They'll also review your medications, diet, and fluid intake habits. During the physical exam, they'll check for tenderness in your back and sides and may listen to your abdomen.
The timing and nature of your pain helps doctors distinguish kidney stones from other conditions. Stone pain typically starts suddenly, fluctuates in intensity, and may radiate from your back to your groin area.
Diagnostic Testing
CT scan provides detailed images to locate stones and assess their size and position in the urinary tract
Ultrasound uses sound waves to detect stones and is safe for pregnant women and children
Urine analysis checks for blood, crystals, bacteria, and measures stone-forming substances in your urine
Blood tests evaluate kidney function and measure levels of calcium, phosphorus, and uric acid
24-hour urine collection analyzes urine composition to identify risk factors for stone formation
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Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the stone's size, location, and composition. The goal is to help the stone pass naturally or remove it with minimal discomfort and complications.
Conservative Treatments
Increased fluid intake helps flush small stones through the urinary system naturally
Pain medicines, including NSAIDs or prescription medicines, may be used for comfort when they are safe for you. Ask a healthcare professional which option is appropriate, especially if you have kidney disease, stomach ulcers, take blood thinners, or are pregnant.
Alpha blockers relax muscles in the ureter to help stones pass more easily
Medical expulsive therapy uses medications to increase the chance of stone passage
Advanced Treatments
Shock wave lithotripsy breaks stones into smaller pieces using sound waves from outside the body
Ureteroscopy involves inserting a thin scope through the urethra to remove or break up stones
Percutaneous nephrolithotomy removes large stones through a small incision in the back
Open surgery is rarely needed but may be necessary for very large or complicated stones
Living with the Condition
Managing kidney stones involves both treating current stones and preventing future ones through lifestyle modifications.
Daily Management Strategies
Stay hydrated throughout the day. The amount of fluid you need varies with your health, activity, climate, and medicines; ask your healthcare professional for a personal fluid goal if you have been told to limit fluids.
Follow dietary recommendations based on your stone type. Limit sodium intake, moderate protein consumption, and include calcium-rich foods in your diet rather than avoiding them completely. Consider working with a dietitian to develop a personalized meal plan.
Keep track of your symptoms and any stones you pass. Collect stones for analysis when possible, as this helps determine the most effective prevention strategies for your specific stone type.
Exercise & Movement
Regular physical activity helps prevent stone formation by promoting overall health and proper calcium metabolism. Walking, swimming, and other moderate exercises are beneficial. However, avoid excessive sweating without adequate fluid replacement, as this can lead to dehydration and increase stone risk.
During an active stone episode, gentle movement may help the stone pass, but avoid strenuous activities that worsen pain or cause additional discomfort.
Prevention
Drink plenty of water throughout the day to maintain dilute, light-colored urine
Limit sodium intake to less than 2,300 mg per day by avoiding processed foods and excess salt
Maintain a balanced diet with moderate amounts of animal protein and adequate calcium from food sources
Monitor oxalate intake by limiting high-oxalate foods like spinach, nuts, and chocolate if you form calcium oxalate stones
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Frequently Asked Questions
Small stones may pass on their own, but the chance and timing depend on the stone's size and location. Contact a healthcare professional for guidance and follow-up, especially if pain continues, you develop fever or chills, you are vomiting, or you have trouble urinating.
Kidney stones can recur. Your personal risk depends on factors such as stone type, medical conditions, and test results; hydration, diet changes, and treatment when needed can help lower that risk. Following proper hydration, dietary changes, and medical recommendations significantly reduces recurrence risk.
This depends on your stone type, but generally limit high-sodium foods, excessive animal protein, and high-oxalate foods like spinach and nuts. Don't avoid calcium-rich foods unless specifically advised by your doctor.
Light to moderate exercise is generally safe and may help stones pass. However, avoid intense activities during acute pain episodes, and always stay well-hydrated during physical activity.
You may notice the stone in your urine or have less pain, but symptoms alone cannot reliably confirm that it has passed. Follow your healthcare professional's advice about follow-up testing.
Still have questions?
Consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice.