kidney stone treatment options overview

Overview

Kidney stones are hard, crystal-like lumps that form inside your kidneys. They are made of minerals and salts that collect in your urine and stick together. They can be as small as a grain of sand or as large as a golf ball. Most kidney stones cause sudden, severe pain, but many pass on their own without any treatment.

Yes, kidney stones are quite common. In the UK, about 1 in 11 people will experience a kidney stone at least once. Many people get them between the ages of 30 and 60.

Anyone can get a kidney stone, but they are more common in men than in women. You are also more likely to develop one if you have a family history, do not drink enough fluids, or have certain medical conditions. However, they can happen to anyone, including children and older adults.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Severe pain on one side of your back or abdomen, just below the ribs
• Pain that spreads to your lower belly or groin
• A burning feeling when you urinate
• Pink, red, or brown urine, which means there is blood in your urine
• Needing to urinate more often than usual
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fever and chills if there is an infection

Symptoms in children

• Children may have the same symptoms as adults, but they might not be able to describe them clearly.
• Unexplained belly pain or fussiness
• Blood in the urine
• Vomiting or feeling sick
• Pain or trouble when urinating

Symptoms in older adults

• Older adults may feel a dull ache rather than sharp pain.
• They may feel confused or more tired than usual.
• Fever or signs of a urinary infection may be the first clue.
• Some older adults might not have any pain at all, so symptoms can be missed.

Causes

Main causes

• Your urine becomes too concentrated, meaning there is not enough water to dilute minerals and salts.
• Certain minerals such as calcium, oxalate, or uric acid build up to very high levels in your urine.
• Your urine is not acidic enough, which can allow crystals to form.
• Some medical conditions, like repeated urinary tract infections, can also trigger stone formation.

Risk factors

• Not drinking enough fluids, especially water
• Eating a diet high in salt, sugar, or animal protein
• Being overweight or obese
• Having a family history of kidney stones
• Having a condition like gout, inflammatory bowel disease, or kidney disease
• Taking certain medicines (always ask your doctor about the medicines you take)
• Having had a kidney stone before

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• You have sudden, intense pain in your back, side, or lower belly that makes it hard to sit still or get comfortable.
• You have a fever or chills with the pain.
• You cannot urinate, or you can only pass a very small amount.
• You see blood in your urine.

Book a routine appointment if:

• You have mild pain that does not go away after a day or two.
• You have had a kidney stone before and want to talk about prevention.
• You have urine symptoms like burning or frequent urination that persist.
• You want to discuss how to manage pain if a stone is small and likely to pass.

Diagnosis

Your doctor will start by asking about your symptoms and medical history, and then do a physical exam. They may press on your belly or back to look for areas of pain. To confirm a kidney stone, they will usually order one or more tests.

Tests that may be done

• Urine test – to look for blood, minerals, or signs of infection.
• Blood test – to check your kidney function and look for high levels of certain minerals.
• Imaging tests – such as a CT scan, ultrasound, or X-ray, which take pictures of your kidneys and can show a stone.

What to expect at your appointment

Diagnosis is usually quick. You will likely need to provide a urine sample, and an imaging test may be done in hospital or at a clinic. CT scans and ultrasounds are painless, though you may be asked to drink water before an ultrasound. The results may take a few hours to a few days, depending on where you are tested.

Treatment

The right treatment for a kidney stone depends on its size, where it is, and how much pain or blockage it causes. Many small stones pass out of your body with no treatment at all. Larger stones or stones that cause complications may need medical procedures. Your doctor will talk you through the best options for your situation.

Self-care at home

• Drink plenty of water – aim to keep your urine pale and clear, unless your doctor tells you otherwise.
• Take simple pain relief as recommended by your pharmacist or doctor, but never take more than the label says.
• Apply a warm heat pad or hot water bottle to the painful area to ease discomfort.
• Rest until the pain improves, but try to move gently to help the stone pass.
• Strain your urine through a sieve or filter cloth to catch the stone so your doctor can test it.

Medical treatments

If the stone does not pass or is too large, your doctor may suggest treatments like shock wave lithotripsy, which uses sound waves to break the stone into smaller pieces. Another option is ureteroscopy, where a thin telescope is passed up into your ureter to remove or break up the stone. For very large stones, a procedure called percutaneous nephrolithotomy may be recommended. Medications can also help relax the tube (ureter) so the stone moves more easily, and medicines may help prevent certain types of stones from forming. Your doctor will advise on the right treatment for you — never take medicines for this without their guidance.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery, like ureteroscopy or percutaneous nephrolithotomy, is usually only needed when a stone is very large, is blocking the flow of urine, is causing an infection, or is causing pain that cannot be controlled with pain relief.

Living with this condition

While you are waiting to pass a stone, you may need to take time off work or school. Keep a bottle of water nearby and drink often. Try to keep moving, but listen to your body — rest when the pain is strong. You might need to visit the toilet frequently, so plan ahead when you are out.

Lifestyle tips

• Stay hydrated by drinking water throughout the day, especially when it is hot or when you exercise.
• Eat a balanced diet with limited salt and animal protein.
• Keep a healthy weight — being overweight increases your risk of stones.
• Avoid crash diets or high-dose vitamin C supplements, which can raise oxalate levels.
• Do not hold in your urine for long periods — empty your bladder regularly.

Diet and exercise

Drinking enough fluid is the single most important thing you can do. Aim for at least 2 to 3 litres of water a day, unless your doctor tells you otherwise. Eat calcium-rich foods like milk, yogurt, or leafy greens at mealtimes — this can actually help reduce stone risk. Regular physical activity helps with weight management and overall kidney health.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Living with kidney stones can be very stressful. The pain can be intense and unpredictable, and the worry about another stone can be exhausting. It is normal to feel anxious or low. Talk to your healthcare team about how you are feeling — they can offer reassurance and connect you with further support.

Prevention

Yes, kidney stones can often be prevented. The most important step is to drink enough water every day to keep your urine diluted. You may also need to adjust your diet, especially if you have had stones before. Doctors can do urine or blood tests to find out what type of stone you had, so they can give you specific advice.

Screening programmes

If you keep getting kidney stones, your doctor may suggest further tests, like a urine collection over 24 hours or a blood test, to check for conditions that increase your risk. This is not a one-size-fits-all screen — it is only recommended for people who have had multiple stones.

Complications

If left untreated

• A stone blocking the flow of urine, which can cause the kidney to swell and hurt.
• Kidney infection, which can spread to the bloodstream if not treated quickly.
• Kidney damage or reduced kidney function over time.
• Scarring inside the urinary tract from repeated stone attacks.

Long-term outlook

The outlook for kidney stones is very good. Most stones pass on their own, and even when treatment is needed, modern procedures are safe and highly effective. After a stone, you can take steps to lower your chance of getting another one. With proper medical advice and small changes to your lifestyle, most people go back to their normal activities and feel well again.

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