Kidney stones are a common yet painful condition, affecting many individuals worldwide each year. If you have experienced sharp, radiating pain in your back or side, issues with urination, or unexplained nausea, you may be among those grappling with this condition.
The good news is that recognizing the root cause of kidney stones is the first step toward effective kidney stone treatment. At Associates in Nephrology PC, board-certified nephrologists are here to help patients in Taunton, Massachusetts, and nearby areas.
This article explains the causes of kidney stones according to the region’s top nephrologists, helping you better understand how lifestyle choices and medical conditions can lead to their formation. You will also learn about effective treatment options available in your area.
Understanding Kidney Stones
Kidney stones are hard deposits made of minerals and salts that form inside your kidneys. They vary in size and composition but can become lodged in the urinary tract, causing severe pain. Left untreated, they may lead to complications such as infection, kidney damage, or recurring stones.
Common Symptoms
Symptoms of kidney stones can range from mild discomfort to intense, excruciating pain. Most commonly, patients report the following:
- Sharp, stabbing pain in the back or lower abdomen
- Difficulty passing urine or a feeling of incomplete urination
- Nausea or vomiting, especially during episodes of severe pain
- Pink, red, or brown urine, indicating blood in the urine
- Foul-smelling or cloudy urine, often a sign of infection
If you experience any of these signs, consult a professional regarding kidney stone treatment in Taunton, Massachusetts.
What Causes Kidney Stones?
The exact cause of kidney stones may differ from one person to another. However, nephrologists at Associates in Nephrology PC have identified several common factors.
1. Low Water Intake
Insufficient hydration is among the leading contributors to kidney stone formation. When individuals do not drink enough water, their urine becomes more concentrated with substances such as calcium, oxalate, and uric acid. Over time, these minerals and salts can crystallize and form stones.
To prevent kidney stones, ensure that you are drinking enough water daily to keep your urine light yellow or clear.
2. High Sodium Intake
Consuming a diet high in salt may put you at a higher risk of developing kidney stones. Sodium increases the amount of calcium deposited in the urine, contributing to the formation of calcium-based stones. Avoiding processed foods and eating fresh, nutritious meals is a simple way to reduce sodium levels.
3. Diet High in Oxalates
Oxalate is a naturally occurring compound found in many fruits, vegetables, nuts, and chocolate. A diet rich in oxalates, when paired with insufficient calcium intake, may lead to excessive calcium oxalate crystal formation—the most common type of kidney stone. Leafy greens such as spinach are high in oxalates, so it is essential to balance your diet appropriately.
4. Excessive Protein Consumption
Dietary protein from animal sources, such as red meat, poultry, and fish, may increase the likelihood of developing kidney stones. Excess protein can elevate the levels of uric acid in the body, leading to uric acid stone formation.
Reducing your intake of animal protein and adding plant-based alternatives to your meals can help lower this risk.
5. Certain Medical Conditions
Specific health conditions can predispose individuals to kidney stones. These include obesity, diabetes, hyperparathyroidism, and gout. These conditions may alter the composition of your urine, increasing the risk for stone development.
If you have one or more of these health concerns, working with a nephrologist is critical.
6. Family History and Genetics
A family history of kidney stones often increases your chances of developing them. Additionally, hereditary conditions such as cystinuria—a disorder that results in excessive amino acids in urine—are linked to kidney stones.
7. Medications and Supplements
Certain medications, including diuretics and calcium-based antacids, may increase the risk of kidney stone formation. Overuse of vitamin C and calcium supplements can also contribute to this problem. Always consult your physician before starting any new supplement regimen.
Kidney Stone Treatment Options
If you suspect that you have kidney stones, consulting a kidney specialist near you is vital to prevent complications. Associates in Nephrology PC offers tailored solutions to meet your specific needs.
1. Lifestyle Modifications
Nephrologists often recommend dietary and lifestyle changes to reduce the likelihood of stone growth or recurrence. Increasing water intake, reducing sodium, and balancing your diet may be all that is required for smaller stones.
2. Medication
For some patients, prescribed medications can help manage pain or dissolve stones before they cause significant issues. Uric acid stones often respond well to alkalizing agents like potassium citrate.
3. Non-Invasive Procedures
For larger stones, non-invasive treatments such as extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) are common. High-energy sound waves break down kidney stones into smaller pieces, enabling them to pass through the urinary tract more easily.
4. Surgical Removal
If stones are too large or cause obstruction and infection, minimally invasive surgical procedures may be necessary. Options such as ureteroscopy or percutaneous nephrolithotomy help remove kidney stones while preserving kidney function.
Get Expert Care Today
Kidney stones are a painful condition, but relief is entirely possible with the right support. Recognizing the causes and consulting a nephrologist promptly can make all the difference in your quality of life.
If you are searching for kidney stone treatment in Taunton, Massachusetts, or looking to connect with the best nephrologist near you, Associates in Nephrology PC is here to help.
Schedule your appointment today by calling (508) 587-0700 or fill out our Request an Appointment form and take the first step toward healthier kidneys.
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