Kidney Stones
Kidney Stone Specialists in Northern Virginia
Kidney stones, also called nephrolithiasis, develop when certain substances in the urine become concentrated enough to form crystals and eventually hard deposits. Stones can vary in size and may remain in the kidney or move into the urinary tract.
At Virginia Nephrology Group, our nephrologists evaluate patients with kidney stones and help identify factors that may contribute to stone formation. For patients who experience recurrent kidney stones, understanding why stones are developing can be an important part of reducing the likelihood of future episodes.
What Causes Kidney Stones?
Kidney stones can form when urine contains high concentrations of substances capable of forming crystals. Calcium, oxalate, and uric acid are among the substances associated with certain types of kidney stones.
Several factors may influence a person’s risk of developing stones, including inadequate fluid intake, dietary factors, certain medical conditions, and family history. Because the underlying contributors can differ from one patient to another, evaluation is especially important for people who develop stones repeatedly.
Common Signs and Symptoms of Kidney Stones
A kidney stone may not cause symptoms while it remains in the kidney. Symptoms can become more noticeable if a stone moves into the urinary tract.
Kidney stone symptoms may include severe pain in the side or back below the ribs that can travel toward the lower abdomen or groin. Some people also experience painful or burning urination, an increased urge to urinate, or cloudy or foul-smelling urine.
The location and intensity of discomfort can change as a stone moves through the urinary tract. Because similar symptoms can occur with other medical conditions, an appropriate medical evaluation is important for determining the cause.
Evaluating Recurrent Kidney Stones
For patients who repeatedly develop kidney stones, care extends beyond addressing an individual stone. A metabolic evaluation for kidney stones can help identify factors that may be contributing to recurrent stone formation.
Evaluation may include a review of medical history and laboratory testing. The information gathered can help a nephrologist better understand an individual’s risk factors and guide recommendations intended to reduce future stone formation.
Patients who have experienced multiple kidney stones, or a stone that required an intervention for removal, may benefit from discussing whether further evaluation is appropriate.
Managing and Reducing the Risk of Kidney Stones
Kidney stone management depends on factors such as the stone’s size, location, symptoms, and the patient’s overall medical situation. Some smaller stones may pass without a procedure, while other stones may require additional medical or procedural treatment.
For patients at risk of developing additional stones, prevention strategies may include changes in fluid intake, diet, or medication based on the findings of their evaluation. Recommendations should be individualized because the factors contributing to kidney stone formation are not the same for everyone.
Although it is not always possible to completely prevent kidney stones, identifying modifiable risk factors may help decrease the likelihood of recurrence.
Kidney Stone Care at Virginia Nephrology Group
Nephrologists have an important role in evaluating the medical and metabolic factors associated with kidney stone formation, particularly when stones continue to recur.
At Virginia Nephrology Group, our kidney specialists in Northern Virginia work with patients to evaluate kidney stone risk factors and develop individualized strategies for ongoing kidney health. If you have experienced recurrent kidney stones or have concerns about your risk of developing additional stones, our nephrology team can help determine appropriate next steps.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kidney Stones
What causes kidney stones to form?
Kidney stones can develop when substances such as calcium, oxalate, or uric acid become concentrated in the urine and begin forming crystals. Factors such as inadequate hydration, diet, certain medical conditions, and family history may influence an individual’s risk.
How do I know if I have a kidney stone?
Kidney stones may cause intense pain in the side or back that can move toward the abdomen or groin. Other possible symptoms include painful urination, urinary urgency, or changes in the appearance or smell of urine. Because these symptoms can have other causes, medical evaluation may be needed to determine whether a kidney stone is responsible.
an kidney stones go away on their own?
Some smaller kidney stones can pass through the urinary tract without a procedure. Whether a stone is likely to pass depends on factors such as its size and location. Your healthcare provider can determine the appropriate approach based on your individual circumstances.
What treatments are available for kidney stones?
Treatment depends on the characteristics of the stone and the patient’s symptoms. Management may include fluids and medication for some patients, while larger or obstructing stones may require a procedure to break up or remove the stone. The appropriate treatment should be determined by the healthcare professionals managing your condition.
How can I prevent kidney stones from coming back?
Prevention depends partly on why your kidney stones are forming. Your nephrologist may recommend changes to fluid intake or diet and, in some cases, medication based on your individual risk factors and metabolic evaluation. Patients with recurrent stones may benefit from a more detailed evaluation to identify preventable contributors.
When should I see a kidney specialist?
Consider discussing kidney stone evaluation with a nephrologist if you experience recurrent kidney stones, have had a stone requiring intervention, or need further evaluation of factors contributing to stone formation. A kidney specialist can assess metabolic and medical risk factors and help develop a strategy for reducing recurrence.