If you’re dealing with pain or symptoms that suggest kidney stones, knowing what to expect can help ease your anxiety and guide your choices. Your healthcare provider will use a range of tools to identify whether you have kidney stones, what they’re made of, and what treatments might work best for you. Here’s a breakdown of the key steps involved in diagnosing and treating kidney stones so you can take charge of your health with confidence.*

Getting the Right Diagnosis

When you visit your healthcare provider with symptoms, they’ll start by conducting a physical exam. From there, they may order several tests to pinpoint whether you have kidney stones and uncover what might be causing them.

• Blood and urine tests. These help measure substances like calcium or uric acid, which are often linked to kidney stone formation. You may be asked to collect your urine over 24 hours to see if your body is producing too many stone-forming minerals or not enough protective substances.
• Imaging tests. A CT scan is often used to clearly show stones in your urinary tract. Advanced scans can spot even tiny uric acid stones. While regular X-rays are sometimes used, they’re not as effective for smaller stones. Ultrasounds are another common, non-invasive option.
• Stone analysis. If you pass a stone, your provider might ask you to catch it using a strainer so it can be analyzed in a lab. Knowing the stone’s chemical makeup helps your provider create a plan to prevent future stones.
• Genetic testing. If you have a family history or symptoms that suggest a rare inherited condition like cystinuria or primary hyperoxaluria, your doctor may recommend genetic testing to determine your risk.

Treatment: From Home Remedies to Surgery

Once you’re diagnosed, your treatment depends on the size and type of your kidney stone and the symptoms you’re experiencing.

Passing Smaller Stones

If your stone is small and not causing major symptoms, you may be able to manage it at home:

• Stay hydrated. Drinking 2 to 3 quarts of water a day helps flush your system and reduce the chance of new stones forming. Aim for light-colored or clear urine.
• Pain relief. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or naproxen can help manage discomfort while the stone passes.
• Medication. Your provider might prescribe alpha blockers like tamsulosin to relax your ureter muscles, making it easier (and less painful) to pass the stone.

Dealing with Larger or Complicated Stones

When stones are too large to pass on their own or cause complications, more advanced options may be necessary:

• Shock wave therapy (ESWL). This non-invasive procedure uses sound waves to break the stone into smaller fragments that you can pass naturally.
• Surgical removal. Large or stubborn stones may need to be removed surgically. Options include:
  • Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (which involves a small incision and recovery in the hospital), and
  • Ureteroscopy (which uses a scope to reach and break up or remove the stone via your urinary tract).
• Parathyroid surgery. If your kidney stones are caused by overactive parathyroid glands, treating or removing the gland may be necessary to prevent further stone formation.
  

By understanding these diagnoses and treatment options, you’ll be better prepared to work with your healthcare provider and make informed choices for your kidney health.

*Mayo Clinic. (2025, July 10). Kidney Stones: Diagnosis and Treatment. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/kidney-stones/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20355759  

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