Common Kidney Stones: Types, Causes, Symptoms and Treatment Options

Learn about common kidney stones, their types, causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment options, prevention, and expert kidney stone care at Prabhakar Bhurke Clinic. ...

September 2, 2026

Introduction

Kidney stones are a common urinary tract problem that can affect people of different ages. They form when certain minerals and substances in the urine become concentrated and develop into crystals. Over time, these crystals may grow and form stones of different sizes.

Understanding the common kidney stones and their causes is important because different stone types may require different prevention and treatment strategies. Some small stones may pass naturally, while larger stones or stones causing obstruction, infection, or persistent pain may require medical or procedural treatment.

At Prabhakar Bhurke Clinic, Dr. Sandip Prabhakar Bhurke, a super specialist nephrologist, provides comprehensive kidney stone evaluation, kidney function assessment, prevention guidance, and long-term care for patients with recurrent kidney stones and related kidney conditions.

What Are Kidney Stones?

Kidney stones are hard deposits made from minerals and other substances present in urine.

Normally, urine contains substances that help prevent crystals from forming. However, when urine becomes highly concentrated or contains excessive amounts of certain minerals, crystals may develop.

These crystals can grow into kidney stones.

Kidney stones may remain inside the kidney or move into the ureter, which is the tube that carries urine from the kidney to the bladder.

What Are the Most Common Types of Kidney Stones?

There are several different types of kidney stones.

The most common include:

Calcium oxalate stones
Calcium phosphate stones
Uric acid stones
Struvite stones
Cystine stones

Identifying the stone type can help doctors recommend appropriate prevention strategies.

Calcium Oxalate Stones

Calcium oxalate stones are among the most common kidney stones.

They develop when calcium combines with oxalate in the urine.

Oxalate is a naturally occurring substance found in certain foods and also produced by the body.

Factors that may contribute to calcium oxalate stone formation include:

Low fluid intake
High urine concentration
High urinary calcium
High urinary oxalate
High salt intake
Certain metabolic conditions
Recurrent kidney stone history

Prevention of Calcium Oxalate Stones

Depending on the patient's medical condition, prevention may involve:

Maintaining appropriate fluid intake
Reducing excessive salt consumption
Maintaining normal dietary calcium intake
Avoiding excessive intake of high-oxalate foods when medically advised
Managing underlying metabolic abnormalities

Dietary restrictions should be individualized because unnecessarily avoiding calcium-containing foods may not be appropriate for every patient.

Calcium Phosphate Stones

Calcium phosphate stones are another type of calcium-containing kidney stone.

They may develop in people with certain conditions that affect:

Urine pH
Calcium metabolism
Kidney tubular function

Some metabolic disorders may increase the risk of calcium phosphate stone formation.

Patients with recurrent stones may require further testing to identify underlying causes.

Uric Acid Stones

Uric acid stones develop when uric acid forms crystals in the urine.

They are more likely to form when urine is persistently acidic.

Risk factors may include:

Low urine volume
High uric acid levels
Certain dietary patterns
Obesity
Metabolic conditions
Some medical treatments

Unlike many calcium stones, selected uric acid stones may sometimes be treated medically by changing urine chemistry under specialist supervision.

However, treatment must be individualized.

Struvite Stones

Struvite stones are often associated with certain urinary tract infections.

These stones can sometimes grow rapidly and may become large.

Symptoms may not always be severe, even when the stone is significant.

Treatment may involve:

Controlling the infection
Treating the underlying cause
Removing the stone when required

Because infection-related stones can recur, follow-up care is important.

Cystine Stones

Cystine stones are relatively uncommon and are associated with a hereditary condition called cystinuria.

People with cystinuria may repeatedly form kidney stones from an early age.

Treatment and prevention may involve:

Specialized fluid recommendations
Dietary guidance
Medicines when required
Regular kidney monitoring

Long-term medical follow-up is important because cystine stones can recur.

What Causes Common Kidney Stones?

Kidney stone formation can occur because of multiple factors.

Common causes and risk factors include:

Not Drinking Enough Fluid

Low fluid intake can lead to concentrated urine, increasing the likelihood of crystal formation.

High Salt Intake

Excessive sodium intake can affect urinary calcium levels and may contribute to stone formation in susceptible individuals.

Dietary Factors

Diet can influence kidney stone risk, depending on the type of stone.

However, there is no single “kidney stone diet” suitable for every patient.

Family History

A family history of kidney stones may increase the risk of recurrent stone formation.

Metabolic Conditions

Certain metabolic conditions can affect urine chemistry and increase the risk of stones.

Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections

Repeated urinary infections may contribute to certain infection-related stones.

Obesity and Metabolic Health

Body weight and metabolic health may influence kidney stone risk.

Symptoms of Common Kidney Stones

Kidney stones may cause no symptoms while remaining inside the kidney.

Symptoms often occur when a stone moves into the ureter or causes obstruction.

Common symptoms include:

Severe flank pain
Lower back pain
Pain that may radiate toward the lower abdomen or groin
Blood in the urine
Nausea
Vomiting
Burning during urination
Frequent urination
Difficulty passing urine

The severity of pain does not always correspond to the size of the stone.

Can Small Kidney Stones Cause Severe Pain?

Yes.

A relatively small stone can cause severe pain if it moves into the ureter and obstructs urine flow.

On the other hand, a larger stone may cause fewer symptoms if it remains in a stable position inside the kidney.

This is why treatment decisions are based on more than stone size alone.

How Are Kidney Stones Diagnosed?

A detailed evaluation helps determine the size, location, and possible type of stone.

Ultrasound

Ultrasound can help detect:

Kidney stones
Kidney swelling
Hydronephrosis
Structural abnormalities

CT Scan

A non-contrast CT scan can provide detailed information about:

Stone size
Stone location
Number of stones
Urinary obstruction

Blood Tests

Blood investigations may include:

Serum creatinine
eGFR
Calcium
Uric acid
Electrolytes

These tests help assess kidney function and possible metabolic risk factors.

Urine Tests

Urine testing may identify:

Blood
Infection
Crystals
Urine pH
Other abnormalities

Patients with recurrent kidney stones may require additional metabolic evaluation.

Treatment for Common Kidney Stones

The appropriate treatment depends on:

Stone size
Stone location
Symptoms
Urinary obstruction
Infection
Kidney function
Stone type

Treatment options may include observation, medicines, or procedures.

Observation for Small Stones

Some small stones may pass naturally.

During observation, the doctor may recommend:

Pain management
Follow-up imaging
Appropriate fluid intake
Medicines in selected cases

Medical supervision is important to ensure that obstruction or infection does not develop.

Medicines

Medicines may help manage:

Pain
Nausea
Urinary symptoms

Selected medicines may also assist the passage of certain ureteral stones.

The choice of medication should consider the patient's kidney function and other medical conditions.

ESWL

Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL) uses shock waves to break selected stones into smaller fragments.

The fragments may then pass through the urinary tract.

ESWL is suitable for selected stones depending on their size, location, and other characteristics.

Ureteroscopy and Laser Treatment

Ureteroscopy involves passing a thin instrument through the urinary tract to reach the stone.

Laser energy may then be used to fragment the stone.

This treatment may be used for selected ureteral and kidney stones.

RIRS

Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery (RIRS) is a minimally invasive procedure used for selected stones inside the kidney.

A flexible scope is used to access the kidney, and laser treatment may fragment the stone.

PCNL

Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL) may be considered for larger or complex kidney stones.

It allows direct access to the kidney through a small opening in the skin so that the stone can be fragmented and removed.

Kidney Stones and Urinary Obstruction

A kidney stone can sometimes block the normal flow of urine.

Obstruction may lead to:

Hydronephrosis
Severe pain
Increased risk of infection
Reduced kidney function

Persistent obstruction requires medical evaluation.

If obstruction occurs together with infection, urgent treatment may be necessary.

Kidney Stones and Infection

A stone combined with urinary infection can become serious.

Seek prompt medical care if kidney stone symptoms occur with:

Fever
Chills
Severe weakness
Persistent vomiting
Difficulty passing urine

A blocked urinary tract with infection can require urgent drainage and antibiotic treatment.

How Can Common Kidney Stones Be Prevented?

Prevention depends on the type and cause of the stone.

General measures may include:

Drinking an appropriate amount of fluid
Reducing excessive salt intake
Maintaining a healthy body weight
Eating a balanced diet
Maintaining normal dietary calcium unless otherwise advised
Avoiding unnecessary excessive dietary restrictions
Completing metabolic testing for recurrent stones

Patients who have passed a stone should ask their doctor whether stone analysis is appropriate.

Why Stone Analysis Is Important

If a kidney stone is collected after passing or removal, laboratory analysis may help identify its composition.

This information can help guide future prevention.

For example, prevention strategies for:

Calcium oxalate stones
Uric acid stones
Struvite stones
Cystine stones

may differ.

Understanding the stone type allows for a more personalized prevention plan.

When Should You See a Kidney Specialist?

Consult a super specialist nephrologist if you have:

Recurrent kidney stones
Severe or persistent flank pain
Blood in the urine
Repeated urinary tract infections
High creatinine
Reduced eGFR
A family history of recurrent stones
Multiple kidney stones
Kidney stones with chronic kidney disease

A detailed evaluation can help identify factors contributing to repeated stone formation.

Role of a Nephrologist in Recurrent Kidney Stone Care

A nephrologist can help evaluate the medical and metabolic factors associated with recurrent stones.

At Prabhakar Bhurke Clinic, Dr. Sandip Prabhakar Bhurke, a super specialist nephrologist, provides care that may include:

Kidney function evaluation
Metabolic assessment
Recurrent kidney stone prevention
Blood pressure management
Chronic kidney disease care
Dietary and lifestyle guidance
Evaluation of abnormal urine tests
Long-term kidney monitoring

When a procedure is required to remove a stone, appropriate urology specialists can be involved.

Why Choose Prabhakar Bhurke Clinic?

Patients choose Prabhakar Bhurke Clinic for:

Consultation with Dr. Sandip Prabhakar Bhurke
Care from a super specialist nephrologist
Comprehensive kidney function testing
Recurrent kidney stone evaluation
Personalized prevention strategies
Management of chronic kidney disease
Guidance regarding kidney stone treatment
Long-term kidney health monitoring
Coordination with appropriate urology specialists for stone procedures

The focus is on both managing the current kidney stone and reducing the risk of future stones.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most common type of kidney stone?

Calcium-containing stones, particularly calcium oxalate stones, are among the most common types of kidney stones.

Can kidney stones pass naturally?

Some small stones may pass naturally, particularly depending on their size and location. Other stones may require medical or procedural treatment.

Can diet cause kidney stones?

Diet can influence the risk of certain stones, but kidney stone formation usually involves multiple factors including fluid intake, metabolism, genetics, and underlying medical conditions.

Can kidney stones damage the kidneys?

Persistent obstruction or infection associated with kidney stones can affect kidney function and may cause complications if not appropriately treated.

How can I know what type of kidney stone I have?

Stone analysis can identify the composition of a passed or removed stone. Blood tests and urine studies may also help identify risk factors.

Are all kidney stones treated the same way?

No. Treatment depends on stone type, size, location, symptoms, obstruction, infection, and kidney function.

Conclusion

Understanding common kidney stones is important because different stones can have different causes, risks, and prevention strategies. Calcium oxalate, calcium phosphate, uric acid, struvite, and cystine stones may each require individualized medical evaluation.

While some kidney stones can pass naturally, others may require treatment with medicines, ESWL, laser procedures, RIRS, or PCNL. Accurate diagnosis helps doctors choose the safest and most effective approach.

At Prabhakar Bhurke Clinic, Dr. Sandip Prabhakar Bhurke, a super specialist nephrologist, provides comprehensive evaluation and long-term kidney care for patients with kidney stones and recurrent stone problems. Through kidney function assessment, metabolic evaluation, prevention planning, and coordination with appropriate specialists, the goal is to protect kidney health and reduce future stone formation.

Book an Appointment Today

If you are experiencing kidney stone pain, recurrent kidney stones, blood in the urine, urinary infections, high creatinine, reduced eGFR, or persistent flank pain, consult Dr. Sandip Prabhakar Bhurke, super specialist nephrologist at Prabhakar Bhurke Clinic.

A detailed evaluation can help identify the type and cause of your kidney stone and create a personalized treatment and prevention plan.

Medical Disclaimer

This article is intended for general educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Kidney stone treatment and prevention depend on individual factors such as stone size, location, composition, kidney function, infection, and urinary obstruction. Seek urgent medical attention for severe pain with fever or chills, persistent vomiting, difficulty passing urine, very low urine output, or other serious symptoms.

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