Kidney Stones

Expert Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention

Kidney stones are one of the most common urologic conditions we treat. If you’ve ever had one, you know the pain can be intense and sudden. The good news is that most stones can be treated effectively, and many can be prevented from coming back. 

Our urology specialists provide advanced, minimally invasive care to relieve pain quickly and help you avoid future stones.

What are Kidney Stones?

Kidney stones are hard deposits made of minerals and salts that form inside the kidneys. They develop when urine becomes concentrated and minerals crystallize and stick together.

Stones may remain in the kidney or move into the ureter (the tube connecting the kidney to the bladder). When a stone blocks urine flow, it can cause severe pain and require urgent treatment.

Kidney stones affect about 1 in 10 people at some point in their lives.

Types of Kidney Stones

Understanding the type of stone helps guide treatment and prevention.

Kidney Stone Symptoms

Symptoms can appear suddenly and become severe quickly. 

Common signs include:

• Severe pain in the back or side (often called renal colic)
• Pain that spreads to the lower abdomen or groin
• Blood in the urine (pink, red, or brown urine)
• Frequent urge to urinate
• Painful urination
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fever and chills (possible infection – seek care urgently)

Kidney stone pain often comes in waves and may change location as the stone moves.

What Causes Kidney Stones?

Kidney stones form when urine contains more crystal-forming substances than fluid to dilute them. 

Risk factors include: 

• Digestive diseases or bariatric surgery
• Not drinking enough water
• High-sodium diet
• High animal protein intake
• Obesity 
• Family history of stones
• Recurrent urinary tract infections
• Certain medications

When Should You See a Urologist?

Seek medical care right away if you have: 

• Severe pain that won’t go away
• Fever or chills with urinary symptoms
• Blood in your urine
• Nausea or vomiting preventing fluids
• History of kidney stones with new symptoms 

Early treatment can prevent complications and protect kidney function.

How are Kidney Stones Diagnosed?

Your provider may recommend:

• CT scan (most accurate test)
• Ultrasound
• Urine testing
• Blood tests
• Stone analysis (if passed or removed) 

We also perform metabolic evaluations to determine why stones formed and how to prevent recurrence.

Kidney Stone Treatment Options

Treatment options on stone size, location, and symptoms. 

Conservative (Non-Surgical) Treatment

Small stones often pass on their own. 

You may be treated with: 

• Pain medication
• Anti-nausea medication
• Alpha blockers to relax the ureter
• Increased fluid intake
• Close monitoring 

Minimally Invasive Stone Procedures

If a stone is too large or painful to pass, advanced treatments are available. Our specialists focus on fast recovery and outpatient care whenever possible. 

Prevent Kidney Stones

Up to 50% of patients develop another stone within 5 years – prevention is critical. 

Hydration: The #1 Prevention Tool

Drink enough fluids to produce 2 – 2.5 liters of urine daily (that’s the equivalent of a soda bottle or half gallon of a milk jug). 

Dietary Changes

Depending on stone type, we may recommend: 

• Reduce sodium intake
• Moderate animal protein
• Maintain normal calcium intake
• Limit high-oxalate foods (spinach, nuts, tea)
• Increase fruits and vegetables
• Reduce sugary beverages

Medical Prevention

Some patients benefit from medications that:

• Reduce calcium in urine
• Lower uric acid 
• Prevent crystal formation

We create personalized prevention plans based on your stone analysis.

When to Schedule an Appointment

You should see a urologist if you:

• Have symptoms of a kidney stone
• Have a history of stones
• Want to prevent recurrence
• Seen in the ER for a stone

Early treatment means less pain, fewer complications, and better long-term health.

Kidney Stone Hotline

Kidney stone pain can come on suddenly and become severe quickly. That’s why Virginia Urology offers a dedicated Kidney Stone Hotline to help you get care without delay.

When you call, our team can:

• Help determine if your symptoms may be caused by a kidney stone
• Coordinate rapid imaging and diagnosis
• Schedule urgent appointments – often same day or next day
• Connect you with a urology specialist quickly

Our goal is to get you out of pain and on the path to treatment as fast as possible. Please call the 24/7 Kidney Stone Hotline at 804-560-7866.

Why Choose Virginia Urology

Urologists specialize in the urinary tract and offer:

Advanced Imaging and Diagnosis

State-of-the-art imaging allows for fast, accurate identification of kidney stones and their exact size and location to guide treatment.

Minimally Invasive Procedures

Advanced techniques break up or remove stones with minimal disruption, enabling faster recovery and outpatient care whenever possible.

Personalized Prevention Plans

Tailored strategies based on your specific risk factors help prevent recurrence and support long-term kidney stone prevention.

Rapid Relief From Pain

Prompt, targeted care helps alleviate discomfort quickly so you can get back to feeling like yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions