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Kidney stones might be small, but if you’ve ever had one, you know just how painful they can be. These tiny mineral deposits can form silently inside your kidneys and suddenly cause intense discomfort as they begin to move through your urinary tract.
We understand how distressing this journey can be. Our expert nephrologists are here to guide you through diagnosis, treatment, and prevention every step of the way.
Let’s break down what a kidney stone is, how it forms, the stages it goes through, and what you can do to stay stone-free in the future.
Synopsis
What Exactly Is a Kidney Stone?
A kidney stone is a hard lump made up of minerals and salts that stick together in the kidney. While some are tiny and pass without notice, others can grow large enough to block urine flow, and that’s when the trouble starts.
You may not feel anything until the stone starts to move, but once it does, the pain can be quite severe. Stones can also cause infections or damage if left untreated. That’s why early detection and proper care are so important.
At Manipal Hospitals Jaipur, we offer expert guidance, advanced imaging, and comprehensive kidney care to treat and prevent stones effectively.
How Do Kidney Stones Form?
Kidney stones usually form when your urine becomes too concentrated. This can happen when you’re not drinking enough water, or when your diet includes too much salt, calcium, or oxalate (found in foods like spinach, beets, or nuts).
Other causes can include:
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Dehydration – not enough fluids = more concentrated urine.
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High-sodium or high-protein diets.
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Family history of kidney stones.
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Digestive disorders like Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis.
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Obesity or metabolic issues.
Over time, minerals like calcium and oxalate clump together, turning into crystals—and eventually, into stones.
The 4 Stages of Passing a Kidney Stone
Once a stone forms, the body tries to get rid of it through the urinary system. Here’s what that process typically looks like.
Stage 1: Formation - The Silent Beginning
This is the quiet stage. You might not feel anything as the stone begins to form inside your kidney. It all starts with an imbalance—your urine might be too concentrated or contain too much calcium, oxalate, or uric acid.
Signs (if any):
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Cloudy urine.
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Mild discomfort in the back or side.
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Increased urge to urinate.
For most people, there are no symptoms at this point. Stones are often found by accident during scans for something else.
Tip: Start drinking more water - 2 to 3 liters a day helps dilute your urine and may flush out early crystals before they grow.
Stage 2: Movement – The Pain Begins
This is usually when most people realise something’s wrong. The stone leaves the kidney and enters the ureter (the narrow tube that connects your kidney to your bladder). If the stone gets stuck, it can block urine flow and cause extreme pain.
Common symptoms at this stage:
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Sharp, stabbing pain in the back or lower abdomen.
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Pain that comes and goes in waves (renal colic).
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Nausea or vomiting.
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Blood in urine.
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Pain while urinating.
What’s happening?
The ureter isn’t made to accommodate stones, especially if they’re more than 4–5 mm wide. The pain is your body’s way of reacting to the blockage.
At this point, you should seek help. The team at Manipal Hospitals Jaipur can confirm the stone’s size and location and guide you on whether it can pass naturally or needs intervention.
Stage 3: Passage – The Stone Comes Out
If the stone successfully makes its way into the bladder, it’s almost out. Now, it just needs to pass through the urethra when you urinate. This part can still be painful, especially if the stone is jagged or larger than 4 mm.
What you might experience:
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Burning while urinating.
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Frequent urination.
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Cloudy, brownish, or foul-smelling urine.
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Pressure in the lower abdomen.
How long does this stage take?
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Under 4 mm: Could pass in a few days.
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4–6 mm: May take up to 2 weeks.
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Over 6 mm: Might need medical removal.
It’s a good idea to collect the stone using a strainer if your doctor wants it analysed. Knowing the stone type helps prevent future ones.
Stage 4: Recovery—Healing and Moving Forward
After the stone has passed, your body needs a little time to recover. The urinary tract may be sore or inflamed, and you might still feel a bit drained.
During recovery:
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Drink extra fluids to keep flushing your system.
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You might feel a dull ache for a day or two.
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Some people experience a low-grade fever or a slight burning while urinating.
You’ll also want to think about prevention at this point, especially if you’ve had stones before.
How Long Does It Take to Pass a Kidney Stone?
The size of the stone plays a huge role in how long it sticks around:
|
Stone Size |
Time to Pass Naturally |
Chance of Needing Surgery |
|
2 mm |
A few days |
Very low |
|
4–5 mm |
1–2 weeks |
Sometimes |
|
6–10 mm |
Over 2 weeks |
Likely |
|
Over 10 mm |
Often stuck |
Surgery is almost needed |
If the pain is severe or the stone is too big, your doctor might suggest shockwave therapy, laser removal, or ureteroscopy.
How to Prevent Kidney Stones
Kidney stones often come back. The good news is you can take control.
Here’s what helps:
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Drink more water – at least 8–10 glasses a day.
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Cut down on salt and animal protein.
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Limit oxalate-rich foods like spinach, chocolate, and nuts.
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Stay active – regular movement helps your kidneys do their job.
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Avoid sugary and fizzy drinks.
And don’t forget your regular checkups. If you’ve had stones once, you're more likely to get them again.
Why Choose a Multispecialty Hospital?
Kidney stones aren’t something you want to manage on your own. When the pain hits, you need quick access to experts.
At Manipal Hospitals Jaipur, you get:
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A team of top nephrologists and urologists under one roof.
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Advanced imaging and diagnostics.
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Minimally invasive surgical options.
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Supportive care, including diet counselling and pain management.
Our integrated care approach ensures you get the right treatment, fast.
Conclusion
Worried about kidney stone symptoms?
Book a consultation with our kidney specialist at Manipal Hospitals Jaipur and get expert care tailored to you.
Your kidneys will thank you!
FAQ's
A few days to 2–3 weeks, depending on the size.
Anything above 6 mm may need medical removal.
Yes, tiny stones can pass unnoticed in some cases.
Mild back pain, cloudy urine, or increased urgency.
Drink water, eat light, and avoid salty and oxalate-rich foods.
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