Kidney Stones: Pain and Relief
What kidney stones are, why they hurt, and how they are treated and prevented.
Last updated: 2026-09-24
Kidney stones are hard deposits of minerals and salts that form inside your kidney. They hurt mainly when they move into the narrow tube draining the kidney.
Symptoms
- Severe, cramping flank pain that may move towards the groin
- Blood in the urine
- Nausea and vomiting
- Burning on urination
Prevention
Drinking enough water to keep your urine pale is the single most effective prevention, especially in hot weather.
Frequently asked questions
Can kidney stones cause kidney failure?
Repeated stones, obstruction or infection can damage kidneys over time, but most stones don’t.
Do I need to cut calcium?
Not without advice — moderate dietary calcium is actually protective for most people.