What are kidney stones?

Kidney stones are hard, crystal-like deposits that can form in the kidneys when minerals and other substances in urine become too concentrated. They may stay in the kidney or travel through the urinary tract, causing significant pain. At The Liver Hope Foundation, we provide clear kidney and liver health education because kidney stones are common, can return, and sometimes have a liver connection. For example, in primary hyperoxaluria, the liver produces too much oxalate, which can lead to repeated kidney stones. A first stone is an important warning sign: about half of people who have one stone develop another within 5 to 10 years, so learning your risk factors and prevention plan matters.

This page is for education only and does not replace medical care. The Liver Hope Foundation is not a medical provider. Talk with your healthcare provider about symptoms, testing, treatment, and prevention.

Frequently asked questions about kidney stones

Will I need surgery for a kidney stone?

Not always. Larger stones, stones causing ongoing blockage or infection, or stones that do not pass may need a procedure. Common treatments include shock wave lithotripsy, which breaks a stone into smaller pieces, ureteroscopy to remove or break up a stone, and less commonly, surgery through a small incision. Your care team will recommend treatment based on your situation.

Can kidney stones damage the kidneys?

A stone that blocks urine flow, especially when paired with infection, can harm kidney function if it is not treated promptly. Most people recover well when stones are evaluated and treated appropriately. Contact a healthcare provider for new stone symptoms, and seek emergency care for fever, vomiting, or little urine with pain.

How can I help prevent another kidney stone?

Prevention is tailored to your stone type and health history. In general, drinking plenty of water, limiting salt, and moderating animal protein may help. Keep calcium from food in your diet instead of cutting it out unless your clinician advises otherwise. If you have calcium oxalate stones, ask whether you should adjust high-oxalate foods. Having a passed or removed stone analyzed can help guide a personalized prevention plan.

Why do kidney stones matter to a liver and kidney health foundation?

The Liver Hope Foundation supports both liver and kidney health. Kidney stones are among the most common kidney problems, and some rare conditions connect stone formation to the liver. In primary hyperoxaluria, for example, the liver overproduces oxalate, which can form stones. Our goal is to help people recognize symptoms, understand recurrence risk, and seek appropriate medical care.

Find practical answers about kidney stone symptoms, emergency warning signs, treatment options, and ways to help prevent another stone.

What does kidney stone pain feel like?

Kidney stone pain is often severe and felt in the side or back below the ribs. It can come in waves and may move toward the lower abdomen or groin as a stone travels. Some people also have nausea, vomiting, burning when urinating, or an urgent need to urinate. Pain can have other causes, so seek medical guidance rather than assuming it is a stone.

Can kidney stones cause blood in the urine?

Yes. A stone can irritate the urinary tract and cause blood in the urine, which may make urine look pink, red, or brown. Blood may not always be visible. Burning with urination or changes in urine frequency can also occur. A healthcare provider can evaluate these symptoms and check for causes such as a urinary tract infection.

When is a kidney stone an emergency?

Get emergency care right away for kidney stone pain with fever, chills, vomiting that prevents you from keeping fluids down, or little to no urine. These signs can point to a serious infection or blockage that needs prompt treatment. Seek urgent evaluation as well for severe or worsening pain, fainting, or if you have a single kidney, kidney disease, are pregnant, or have a weakened immune system.

Will a kidney stone pass on its own?

Many small stones pass on their own, but how likely that is depends on the stone’s size, location, and your symptoms. A healthcare provider may recommend fluids, pain relief, nausea medicine, or medication that relaxes the ureter. Do not try to manage severe pain or warning signs at home—ask your provider what is safe for you.

Take the next step after a kidney stone

Download our free Kidney stones guide to better understand stone types, questions to ask your healthcare provider, and everyday prevention habits. After a first stone, talk with your healthcare provider about testing and a plan to lower your chance of another one.