What are kidney stones?
Kidney stones, also known as renal calculi, are hard, pebble-like crystals that form in your kidneys when certain minerals build up in your urine.
They can vary in size — some as small as a grain of sand, others as large as a marble — and may cause sharp pain when passing through the urinary tract. They can form in one, or both of your kidneys.
Stones form when your urine becomes too concentrated, allowing minerals like calcium, oxalate, and uric acid to stick together. Not drinking enough water, certain diets, or medical conditions can increase your risk.
There are four main types of kidney stones:
Calcium stones – the most common, often made of calcium oxalate.
Uric acid stones – formed when urine is too acidic and is more likely in people who eat a lot of red meat or have gout.
Struvite stones – usually linked to urinary tract infections.
Cystine stones – rare and caused by a genetic condition.
Understanding the type of stone helps guide treatment and prevent future stones.
Kidney Stones
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Kidney stones can cause a range of symptoms, especially when they move through the urinary tract. The most common sign is sudden, intense pain, often starting in the back or side and radiating to the lower abdomen or groin. Other symptoms may include:
Pain while urinating
Pink, red, or brown urine (a sign of blood)
Frequent urge to urinate
Difficulty passing urine or only passing small amounts
If you experience these symptoms, especially severe pain or fever, it’s important to seek medical attention promptly.
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Kidney stones are usually diagnosed through a combination of your symptoms, medical history, and tests.
If imaging is required a CT scan is the most accurate way to detect kidney stones and see their size and location. An ultrasound is also commonly used, especially in children or pregnant women.
Other tests include:
Urine tests: These check for signs of infection, blood, or crystals that can form stones.
Blood tests: These help find high levels of minerals (like calcium or uric acid) that may contribute to stone formation.
Stone analysis: If you pass a stone, it can be collected and tested to identify its type — which helps guide prevention strategies.
Early diagnosis can relieve symptoms sooner and reduce the risk of complications.
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Treatment for kidney stones depends on the size, type, and location of the stone, as well as your symptoms.
Small stones often pass on their own with plenty of fluids and pain relief. We may also prescribe medication to help relax the urinary tract and make passing the stone easier (also known as medical expulsive therapy)
For larger stones or those causing severe pain, blockage, or infection, medical procedures may be needed, such as:
Shock wave therapy (ESWL) – breaks the stone into smaller pieces using sound waves.
Ureteroscopy – a thin scope is used to locate and remove or break up the stone.
Surgery – in rare cases, a small incision may be needed to remove the stone.
We will also work with you to prevent future stones by addressing diet, hydration, and any underlying health issues.
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Preventing kidney stones often involves a few simple but important lifestyle changes. The most effective step is to drink plenty of water — staying well-hydrated helps dilute your urine and flush out minerals before they can form stones.
Other prevention strategies include:
Limiting salt and animal protein (like red meat and processed foods)
Eating enough calcium from food, not just supplements
Maintaining a healthy weight and staying active
Prescribed medications (in certain cases)
If you’ve had stones before we may recommend urine or blood tests and possibly medications to reduce your chances of forming more. Prevention is often easier than dealing with the pain of a stone later.
Dr. Matthew Farag holds a PhD in kidney stone disease and has spent years analysing the most effective ways stones may be treated.
If you are concerned you may have a kidney stone, book an appointment today.
Any urgent referral will be reviewed within 24 hours.