27 January 2026 | santosh hospitals

Kidney stones are a common yet extremely painful urinary condition that affects people of all ages. Anyone who has experienced a kidney stone knows how suddenly the pain can strike and how intense it can feel. While the term “kidney stone” may sound alarming, the good news is that with proper understanding, most stones can be treated effectively—and many can be prevented altogether.

Kidney stones are not all the same. They vary in size, composition, and cause. Understanding the different types of kidney stones, their symptoms, and the steps you can take to reduce your risk is essential for protecting your kidney health and knowing when to seek medical care.

What Are Kidney Stones?

Kidney stones are hard mineral deposits that form when substances like calcium, oxalate, or uric acid become concentrated in the urine. When urine does not contain enough fluid to dilute these minerals, they crystallize and stick together, forming stones inside the kidneys.

Some kidney stones remain small and may pass unnoticed. Others can move into the ureter—the tube connecting the kidney to the bladder—where they may block urine flow and cause severe pain. Stones can range in size from tiny grains of sand to much larger formations, and a person may develop different types of stones over time.

Symptoms of Kidney Stones

Symptoms often begin suddenly and may worsen as the stone moves through the urinary tract. Common signs include:

• Severe, cramping pain in the back or side that may spread to the lower abdomen or groin
• Pain or burning during urination
• Frequent urge to urinate, often passing small amounts
• Blood in the urine (pink, red, or brown discoloration)
• Nausea or vomiting
• Cloudy or foul-smelling urine

Seek urgent medical attention if symptoms are accompanied by fever, chills, uncontrolled pain, vomiting, faintness, or difficulty passing urine, as these may indicate infection or blockage.

Types of Kidney Stones

1. Calcium Stones

Calcium stones are the most common type and usually occur as calcium-oxalate stones. Oxalate is a natural substance found in certain foods such as spinach, nuts, and beetroot. These stones often form when urine becomes concentrated due to low fluid intake or high salt consumption. Contrary to common belief, normal dietary calcium actually helps reduce stone risk by binding oxalate in the gut.

2. Uric Acid Stones

Uric acid stones form when urine becomes too acidic. They are more common in people who are dehydrated, consume large amounts of animal protein, or have conditions such as gout, obesity, or diabetes. Improving hydration, moderating meat intake, and maintaining a healthy weight can significantly reduce risk.

3. Struvite Stones

These stones develop due to chronic urinary tract infections caused by certain bacteria. Struvite stones can grow rapidly and may become large enough to damage the kidneys if left untreated. Treatment focuses on clearing the infection and removing the stone.

4. Cystine Stones

Cystine stones are rare and occur due to an inherited disorder called cystinuria, which causes excess cystine in the urine. These stones often recur and require specialized long-term management, including high fluid intake and medication.

Risk Factors for Kidney Stones

Several factors increase the likelihood of stone formation, including:

• Inadequate water intake and dehydration
• High sodium (salt) consumption
• Excessive animal protein intake
• Obesity and sedentary lifestyle
• Family history of kidney stones
• Certain medications or supplements
• Medical conditions such as gout, diabetes, bowel disorders, or recurrent urinary infections

Understanding your personal risk factors helps in creating an effective prevention plan.

How to Prevent Kidney Stones

Prevention focuses on keeping urine dilute and balanced.

• Stay well hydrated: Drink enough water to produce pale-colored urine throughout the day.
• Reduce salt intake: Excess sodium increases calcium in urine.
• Maintain normal dietary calcium: Do not eliminate calcium from food unless advised by a doctor.
• Moderate animal protein: Limit red meat and organ meats.
• Maintain a healthy weight: Regular exercise and balanced nutrition help reduce stone risk.
• Follow stone-specific advice: Prevention strategies vary depending on stone type.

Conclusion

Kidney stones can be extremely painful, but with the right knowledge, timely treatment, and preventive care, their impact can be minimized. Recognizing early symptoms and understanding risk factors are key to protecting kidney health.

At Santosh Hospital, our experienced urology team offers comprehensive diagnosis, advanced treatment options, and personalized prevention plans for kidney stone disease. If you experience symptoms or have a history of kidney stones, consult our specialists to safeguard your kidney health and improve your quality of life.