How Do Kidney Stones Form?
Your urine naturally contains minerals, salts, and other substances that usually stay dissolved. But when your urine becomes too concentrated, these substances can crystalize and form stones. Over time, these stones can grow larger and cause severe pain as they move through your urinary tract or create a blockage. While there’s no foolproof way to completely avoid kidney stones, our experienced urologists can help guide you toward lifestyle changes that can significantly lower your risk for certain types of stones.
What Types of Kidney Stones Can I Develop?
There are four main types of kidney stones, and identifying which type you have is one of the first steps in treatment. By understanding the specific type, we can tailor your treatment for the most effective results. Here’s a breakdown of the different types:
- Calcium Stones:
The most common, making up about 80% of kidney stones. These stones are typically made of calcium oxalate, although calcium phosphate stones can also form.
- Uric Acid Stones:
Making up about 5-10% of kidney stones, these tend to form in people who don’t drink enough fluids or have very acidic urine. Your risk increases if you:
-
- Follow a high-protein diet
- Have high blood sugar
- Have certain genetic factors
- Struvite Stones:
Often developing after a urinary tract infection, struvite stones can grow quickly and cause intense pain without any warning signs.
- Cystine Stones:
These form due to a hereditary disorder that causes the kidneys to excrete excessive amounts of amino acids.
What Types of Kidney Stones Can I Develop?
There are four main types of kidney stones, and identifying which type you have is one of the first steps in treatment. By understanding the specific type, we can tailor your treatment for the most effective results. Here’s a breakdown of the different types:
- Calcium Stones:
The most common, making up about 80% of kidney stones. These stones are typically made of calcium oxalate, although calcium phosphate stones can also form.
- Uric Acid Stones:
Making up about 5-10% of kidney stones, these tend to form in people who don’t drink enough fluids or have very acidic urine. Your risk increases if you:
-
- Follow a high-protein diet
- Have high blood sugar
- Have certain genetic factors
Often developing after a urinary tract infection, struvite stones can grow quickly and cause intense pain without any warning signs.
These form due to a hereditary disorder that causes the kidneys to excrete excessive amounts of amino acids.
What Are the Symptoms of Kidney Stones?
Kidney stones usually don’t cause symptoms while they remain in the kidneys. This makes it difficult to detect them early. However, once they begin moving into the ureter and travel toward the bladder, they can cause a variety of symptoms, including:
- Sharp back pain under the ribcage
- Lower abdominal or groin pain
- Blood in your urine
- Nausea or vomiting
- Frequent or urgent need to urinate
- Pain or a burning sensation during urination
- Intermittent or slow urine flow
As the stones move through your urinary tract, the pain may shift to different locations. If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to contact us. The earlier we address the issue, the easier it will be to manage.
How Do Urology Experts Treat Kidney Stones?
When you come to Auxo Clinic, your provider will start by performing a urinalysis and diagnostic imaging, which might include:
- Ultrasound
- X-ray
- Intravenous pyelogram (IVP)
- CT scan
These tests help us determine the location, size, and potential blockages caused by your stones. Once we have this information, we can work on a treatment plan to relieve your symptoms and manage the stones effectively.
Finding the Cause and Treatment Options
After determining the type and cause of your kidney stones, we’ll create a personalized treatment plan. Depending on the situation, your provider may recommend non-invasive procedures such as:
- Laser Stone Ablation
- Shock Wave Therapy
- Percutaneous Nephrolithotripsy (PCNL)
In addition to treatment, our team can help you reduce the likelihood of future kidney stones through dietary adjustments, supplements, and medications when necessary.
If you're dealing with kidney stones, getting the right diagnosis and treatment is crucial—reach out to us so we can help you find relief.
