Kidney stones (medically called renal calculi) are hard mineral deposits formed inside your kidneys from substances like calcium, oxalate, or uric acid.
They can vary in size from a grain of sand to a golf ball, and when they move through the urinary tract, they cause intense pain and urinary problems.
According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), around 1 in 10 people will experience a kidney stone during their lifetime.
Kidney stone symptoms can vary depending on the stone’s size, location, and movement within the urinary tract.
Below are the hallmark signs and sensations you should watch for.
The most recognized symptom is renal colic, sudden, sharp pain that comes in waves.
It often starts in the side or back (flank) and radiates to the lower abdomen or groin.
Pain may:
Clinical research (Cleveland Clinic, 2024) notes that pain peaks when the stone moves into the ureter, blocking urine flow.
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