A kidney stone, or renal calculi, may be a one-time event or a recurring ordeal. In either case, knowing when to see a doctor is essential for avoiding complications and getting lasting relief.
What is Renal Colic (Kidney Stone Pain)?
Renal colic is the medical term for the intense pain caused when a kidney stone starts to move. The stone travels from the kidney into the ureter (the narrow tube leading to the bladder), where it creates a blockage and builds pressure.
As the stone moves, it can set off waves of sharp pain that travel from the back or side down into the abdomen or groin. The ureter tightens and relaxes against the blockage, which is why the pain often comes in cycles – easing for a moment, only to return just as strong.
Common Symptoms of Kidney Stones
It is common for kidney stones to cause pain as they travel down the ureter from the kidney to the bladder. Pain is one symptom, but it’s not the only one. Common kidney stone symptoms include:
- Sudden onset severe pain in the back, lower abdomen or side
- Painful urination
- Feeling like you always have to urinate
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fever and chills
- Cloudy urine
- Pink, red or brown urine
- Bad-smelling urine
- Pain in lower abdomen
- Pain in groin
- Pain in waves
If you are experiencing these symptoms, especially with fever, nausea, or inability to urinate, it may require kidney stone emergency care.
Causes & Types of Kidney Stones
There are several types of kidney stones, and a distinct problem in the body causes each type. If you pass a stone, keep it and bring it to your doctor so that lab tests can be performed to determine the type of stone your body has formed.
Calcium Oxalate Stones
Calcium oxalate stones are the most common type of kidney stone. They develop when there’s too much calcium and oxalate in the urine due to dehydration, diet, or certain metabolic conditions. Risk factors include high vitamin D, foods rich in oxalate, and metabolic disorders.
Uric Acid Stones
Uric acid stones form when the urine becomes too acidic, creating an environment where uric acid can crystallize. They are more common in patients with gout, individuals who lose fluids rapidly due to chronic diarrhea or dehydration, and those who consume diets high in animal protein.
Because they can sometimes dissolve with proper treatment, identifying them early makes a big difference.
Struvite Stones
Struvite stones are linked to chronic urinary tract infections, especially in women. Bacteria in the urinary tract change the chemical balance of urine, which allows these stones to form.
They can grow quickly and become quite large, sometimes filling most of the kidney and leading to serious blockages. These stones almost always require medical intervention rather than passing on their own.
Cystine Stones
Cystine stones result from a hereditary disorder called cystinuria. In this rare condition, the kidneys excrete excessive amounts of a natural amino acid called cystine, which accumulates and forms stones.
Unlike other types, cystine stones tend to recur throughout life, so long-term management and prevention strategies are especially important for patients with this condition.
For more detailed information on kidney stone causes and risk factors, see the Mayo Clinic’s guide on kidney stones.
When to Seek Immediate Care vs. Home Passage
If you have severe pain, fever, persistent vomiting, inability to urinate, or blood in your urine, you may have a kidney stone that requires urgent treatment. We recommend seeking immediate care.
In other cases, small stones may pass naturally at home. Passing kidney stones can take hours to days, and adequate hydration plus over-the-counter pain management may be enough for stones less than 5mm. Larger stones or those causing complications will likely require medical intervention.
Diagnosis & Urgency Room Treatment Options
At The Urgency Room, our ER-trained physicians are equipped to provide fast diagnosis and treatment of kidney stones without long ER wait times. We specialize in urgent care for kidney stones, providing both rapid relief and advanced diagnostics under one roof.
Our team can determine the size and location of the stone, control pain, and arrange referral to a specialist if needed.
Imaging Tests (CT, Ultrasound)
We offer on-site CT scanning, ultrasound, and X-ray to accurately locate and measure stones. Urinalysis and lab testing can also detect infection or underlying risk factors.
Pain Control & Referrals
Kidney stone pain relief is one of our top priorities. Our physicians can provide IV fluids, prescription medications, and even sedation if necessary.
If the stone is too large or complications arise, we can coordinate kidney stone removal with a specialist or arrange for hospital admission.
Prevention Tips to Reduce Recurrence
While there is no foolproof way to prevent kidney stones, some steps can greatly reduce risk.
- Drink water throughout the day: Staying hydrated dilutes substances in urine that form stones.
- Diet changes: Depending on stone type, limit high-oxalate foods, salt, or excessive animal protein.
- Talk to your doctor before supplements: Some supplements, like calcium, may increase risk.
- Manage medical conditions: Controlling diabetes, blood pressure, and metabolic disorders reduces recurrence risk.
Kidney stone prevention often starts with lifestyle adjustments guided by your physician. You can also explore additional prevention strategies at the National Kidney Foundation.
FAQs about Kidney Stone Relief
What exactly is renal colic, and why is kidney stone pain so severe?
Renal colic is severe pain caused by a stone blocking urine flow in the ureter, creating pressure in the kidney. This blockage triggers nerve pain signals, often making it one of the most painful conditions a person can experience.
How do different types of stones (calcium oxalate, uric acid, struvite, cystine) form?
Kidney stone types form from different imbalances in the body. Calcium oxalate forms from dietary and metabolic factors. Dehydration or high-protein diets can cause uric acid stones. Struvite stones are precipitated by infection, and cystine kidney stones result from genetic disorders.
What should you (or your doctor) test for stone type?
Doctors may analyze a passed stone in a lab to determine its composition. Testing stone type is key to tailoring kidney stone prevention strategies.
What tests (CT, ultrasound, urinalysis) are used to diagnose kidney stones?
CT scans, ultrasounds, X-rays, and urinalyses are the primary tools for diagnosing kidney stones. These tests determine the size and location of the stone(s) and whether an infection is present.
What acute treatments are available at The Urgency Room?
We provide treatment for renal calculi, including pain control, IV fluids, and imaging. If necessary, we will arrange a referral for kidney stone removal or hospital admission.
When is it safe to try to pass a stone at home vs. when to seek urgent care?
Small stones can often be managed at home with a hydration regimen and over-the-counter medications. Seek urgent care for kidney stones if you have severe pain, fever, or difficulty urinating.
How long does stone passage typically take, based on size and location?
Stones under 4mm usually pass in a few days, while larger stones may take weeks or require medical removal.
Who is at higher risk (family history, dehydration, metabolic conditions)?
Those with family history, recurrent stones, dehydration, or conditions such as diabetes and obesity face higher risks. Metabolic conditions and high-sodium diets also increase risk.
Get Relief From Kidney Stones Today
Avoid the long wait times of typical emergency rooms and get kidney stone care as soon as possible at The Urgency Room. We can help assess, diagnose, and treat your kidney stones so you can get back to living a healthy life.
If you’re experiencing painful kidney stones, visit your nearest Urgency Room for fast, expert care.