How to Get Rid of Kidney Stones: Treatment Options Explained

Kidney stones are hard mineral deposits that form in the urinary tract and can cause significant discomfort, especially when they move. Treatment depends on the stone’s size, location, symptoms, and whether it is causing blockage or infection.

Overview of kidney stones

Kidney stones are solid crystals made from minerals and salts that collect in the kidneys or elsewhere in the urinary tract. They can stay in the kidney without causing symptoms, or they can move into the ureter, the narrow tube that carries urine from the kidney to the bladder. When this happens, pain often develops suddenly and can become quite intense.

There is no single treatment that suits every person. The best approach depends on the stone’s size, location, chemical makeup, and whether it is causing complications such as infection, persistent blockage, or reduced kidney function. A doctor also considers the person’s overall health, hydration status, and history of previous stones.

Many people search for how to get rid of kidney stones quickly, but safe treatment begins with proper assessment. Some stones pass naturally, while others need targeted care to break them up or remove them. The goal is not only to relieve symptoms, but also to protect the kidneys and reduce the chance of future stones.

Symptoms and what passing a stone can feel like

The most common symptom of kidney stones is pain, often felt in the side, back, lower abdomen, or groin. The pain may come in waves, change location as the stone moves, and be severe enough to make it difficult to sit still. Some people also notice burning during urination, cloudy urine, or blood in the urine.

Other symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, frequent urination, or an urgent need to urinate. If a stone blocks urine flow, the bladder may feel irritated even though the source of the problem is higher up in the urinary tract. Small stones may cause only mild discomfort or no symptoms at all until they begin to move.

Fever and chills are especially important warning signs because they can suggest an infection behind a blockage. This combination needs urgent medical attention. Kidney stones can sometimes be confused with other conditions, so a formal evaluation is important when symptoms are new, severe, or persistent.

People who have had stones before may recognize the pattern, but each episode still deserves attention. Some symptoms overlap with kidney infection or other urinary conditions, and treatment can be very different depending on the cause.

Causes, types, and risk factors

Kidney stones form when certain substances in the urine become concentrated enough to crystallize. This can happen when a person does not drink enough fluids, loses excess water through sweating, or has a body chemistry that makes crystal formation more likely. Diet, genetics, medications, and some medical conditions can all play a role.

There are several main types of kidney stones. Calcium stones are the most common and may be linked to calcium oxalate or calcium phosphate. Uric acid stones can develop in people who produce more uric acid or have more acidic urine. Struvite stones are often associated with urinary infections, while cystine stones are related to a rare inherited condition.

Risk factors include dehydration, a diet high in salt, obesity, repeated urinary tract infections, digestive disorders that affect absorption, and a family or personal history of stones. Some endocrine and metabolic disorders can also increase risk. Knowing the stone type matters because prevention strategies are more effective when they are tailored to the underlying cause.

Sometimes kidney stones occur alongside or mimic hydronephrosis, which is swelling of the kidney due to backed-up urine. If the stone blocks drainage, doctors focus on relieving the obstruction as well as treating the stone itself.

How kidney stones are diagnosed

Diagnosis usually starts with a medical history, symptom review, urine testing, and blood tests. A urine sample can show blood, signs of infection, and crystals that may suggest the stone type. Blood tests can help assess kidney function and look for chemical imbalances that may contribute to stone formation.

Imaging is often needed to confirm the diagnosis and identify the stone’s size and location. Ultrasound is commonly used because it avoids radiation and can detect many stones or signs of blockage. In some cases, a computed tomography scan gives more detailed information and is especially helpful when the diagnosis is uncertain or pain is severe.

If a person passes a stone, the doctor may ask for it to be collected and analyzed. Stone analysis can guide long-term prevention. For people with repeated stones, a more detailed metabolic evaluation may be recommended, including special urine studies to measure volume, calcium, oxalate, citrate, uric acid, and other factors.

Accurate diagnosis helps match the treatment to the problem. It also helps rule out other causes of pain such as urinary obstruction, infection, or less common conditions that may require a different plan.

Treatment options for kidney stones

Small kidney stones often pass on their own. In these cases, treatment usually focuses on symptom relief and helping the stone move through the urinary tract. This may include drinking adequate fluids, using pain-relieving medication recommended by a doctor, and sometimes taking medicines that relax the ureter to make passage easier. Follow-up is important to confirm that the stone has passed and that there is no lasting blockage.

When a stone is too large to pass comfortably, causes repeated emergency visits, or blocks the urinary tract, a procedure may be needed. One common option is shock wave lithotripsy, which uses sound waves to break certain stones into smaller pieces that can pass more easily. This approach is not suitable for every stone, but it can be effective in selected cases depending on size, location, and body anatomy.

Another common treatment is ureteroscopy, in which a thin instrument is passed through the urinary tract to find and remove or break up the stone. For larger or more complex stones, doctors may recommend percutaneous nephrolithotomy, a procedure performed through a small opening in the back to remove stones directly from the kidney. Traditional open surgery is now uncommon but may still be used in unusual or complicated situations.

If there is an infection with blockage, treatment becomes more urgent. The first step may be to drain the kidney and start antibiotics before definitive stone removal. In addition to procedures, doctors may treat contributing conditions such as high uric acid or recurrent infections. People with recurrent stones may also benefit from specialist follow-up with urology and, in some cases, nephrology.

Recovery, prevention, and self-care

Recovery depends on whether the stone passes naturally or requires a procedure. After treatment, mild discomfort, tiredness, or temporary urinary symptoms may occur, but many people return to normal activities relatively quickly. A doctor will usually advise on fluid intake, activity, pain management, and follow-up imaging when needed.

Prevention is a key part of care because kidney stones often recur. In general, drinking enough fluid to keep urine pale and well diluted is one of the most effective steps. Other measures may include reducing excess salt, avoiding dehydration during hot weather or exercise, and following dietary changes based on the stone type. Some people may need medication to lower the risk of new stones.

Self-care should be guided by the doctor’s recommendations rather than guesswork. For example, not everyone needs to avoid calcium, and in many cases normal dietary calcium is important. People with recurrent stones may be advised to limit high-oxalate foods, reduce animal protein, or address uric acid levels, but the right plan depends on testing and stone analysis.

For international patients who need assessment or treatment, Acibadem International’s multidisciplinary specialists in JCI-accredited hospitals diagnose and treat kidney stone disease with individualized care plans.

When to see a doctor

A person should seek medical advice for severe side or back pain, pain that does not improve, visible blood in the urine, or urinary symptoms that are new and concerning. Evaluation is also important if there is only one kidney, known kidney disease, pregnancy, or repeated episodes of stones.

Urgent care is needed if symptoms occur with fever, chills, vomiting, confusion, faintness, or inability to pass urine. These signs can point to a blocked urinary tract or infection, which may require prompt treatment to protect kidney function and prevent complications.

Even after symptoms improve, follow-up matters. Some stones can remain without fully passing, and silent blockage may still damage the kidney over time. A doctor can confirm resolution, review preventive steps, and help reduce the risk of the next stone episode.

Frequently asked questions

Can kidney stones go away on their own?

Yes, many small kidney stones can pass naturally, especially if they are located lower in the urinary tract. A doctor may recommend fluids, pain relief, and monitoring, but follow-up is still important to make sure the stone has passed completely.

How long does it take to pass a kidney stone?

The time can vary from days to several weeks depending on the stone’s size and location. Smaller stones tend to pass more easily, while larger stones may remain stuck and need a procedure.

What is the best treatment for kidney stones?

There is no single best treatment for everyone. The right option depends on the stone’s size, position, symptoms, and whether it is causing blockage or infection.

Does drinking water dissolve kidney stones?

Water usually does not dissolve most stones once they have formed, but it can help small stones pass more easily and reduce the chance of new stones forming. Staying well hydrated is one of the most important prevention steps.

Are kidney stones always painful?

No, some kidney stones cause no symptoms and are found incidentally on imaging. Pain usually develops when a stone moves or blocks urine flow.

When is surgery needed for kidney stones?

A procedure may be needed when a stone is too large to pass, causes ongoing severe pain, blocks the urinary tract, or is linked to infection. Surgery in the traditional open sense is uncommon, but minimally invasive procedures are frequently used.

References

• National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
• European Association of Urology
• American Urological Association
• National Health Service
• Mayo Clinic

This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult a qualified doctor about your individual situation.