According to the National Institutes of Health, about 1 in 10 people develop kidney stones at some point in their life. Most kidney stones pass on their own, but those that don’t can get stuck, block urine flow, and cause extreme pain. Expert urologist Jared Wallen, MD, and the team diagnose and treat kidney stones at YOU & WEE Urologic Surgery & Wellness in Sarasota, Florida. If you have symptoms of a kidney stone, don’t wait until complications arise. Call or book an appointment online today.
Kidney stones are solid deposits that develop in your kidney. They begin as microscopic particles in your urine that gradually harden into stones. Kidney stones can range in size from a grain of sand to a pearl.
Passing a kidney stone can be painful, but usually doesn’t cause permanent damage when the stone is detected early. Many men and women successfully pass kidney stones with nothing more than pain-relieving medication and plenty of water.
However, stones that pass out of your kidney and get stuck in the tube that connects the kidney to the bladder can cause excruciating pain in your low back and groin. Kidney stones that become stuck or don’t pass on their own require medical treatment.
You may not have any signs or symptoms of a kidney stone until it moves. At that point, you may experience:
If you notice any of these symptoms, talk to the team at YOU & WEE Urologic Surgery & Wellness.
Certain factors can increase your risk of kidney stones, such as:
Kidney stones are also most common in adults ages 30-45, with men being about three times more likely to develop them than women.
First, the team at YOU & WEE Urologic Surgery & Wellness performs a thorough physical exam and reviews your medical history. If they suspect you have kidney stones, they may suggest diagnostic tests, such as blood or urine tests, X-rays, or an ultrasound.
Then, they develop a treatment plan tailored to your specific condition. Depending on the size and location of your kidney stones, this may include lifestyle changes such as drinking more water, medications, or prescription-strength painkillers.
If the stones don’t pass on their own, the team may recommend surgery to remove them. YOU & WEE Urologic Surgery & Wellness can perform minimally invasive surgeries including:
The team at YOU & WEE Urologic Surgery & Wellness can determine the treatment that is best for your condition.
To find out if your pain is the result of a kidney stone, call YOU & WEE Urologic Surgery & Wellness or book an appointment online for treatment today.