Kidney stones are hard objects in the urinary tract made up of millions of tiny crystals.
Kidney stones are formed when the body’s system for filtering urine becomes too concentrated. Rather than being filtered out through the urine, substances like calcium, oxalate and phosphate separate as crystals and attach to one another, accumulating into a small mass, or stone.
Kidney Stones: What You Need to Know
- Kidney stones often produce intense pain that starts in the lower back and may move to the side or groin.
- Those who have had a kidney stone before are at greater risk of developing another.
- To prevent kidney stones, drink plenty of water every day.
- Once a stone has passed, it can be evaluated to determine the cause. Knowing why your stone formed is the best way to reduce your risk of future stones.
Patient Resources
Watch a Q&A on kidney stone symptoms, treatment and recovery with Dr. Brian Matlaga
Learn more about kidney stones in our health library.
Our Physicians
Rely on the expertise of our physicians to help manage kidney stones.
Our Treatments
Our experts offer a range of minimally invasive procedures to treat kidney stones that cannot be passed on their own.
Our Center for Stone Disease
At the Gerald D. and Helen M. Stephens Center for Stone Disease, urologists work closely with a team of nephrologists to address all aspects of kidney stone care. By combining surgical, medical and dietary therapies, patients enjoy faster recoveries and fewer kidney stones down the road.
Learn more about the Gerald D. and Helen M. Stephens Center for Stone Disease