Guide to Getting Rid Urinary Stones Easy
Tired of the pain from kidney and urinary stones? This guide breaks down the causes, symptoms, and easy, actionable ways to get rid of them and prevent them from coming back.
Written by Dr. Mohammed Kamran
Reviewed by Dr. Dhankecha Mayank Dineshbhai MBBS
Last updated on 19th Sep, 2025
Introduction
That sudden, crippling pain in your back or side isn't just a muscle ache—it's often the first brutal sign of a urinary stone. If you're reading this, you're likely searching for a way to rid yourself of these painful stones quickly and effectively. You're not alone; about 1 in 10 people will experience a urinary stone in their lifetime. The good news is that most small stones don't require surgery and can be passed naturally with the right strategies. This comprehensive guide is designed to walk you through everything you need to know, from immediate home remedies for kidney stones to medical interventions and long-term prevention. We’ll cut through the confusion and give you a clear, actionable plan to find relief and reclaim your health.
What Are Kidney Stones, Anyway?
Kidney stones, or renal calculi, are hard deposits made of minerals and salts that form inside your kidneys. Think of them like tiny, painful pearls that develop when your urine becomes too concentrated, allowing minerals to crystallize and stick together. Passing these stones can be an excruciating experience, often described as one of the most severe pains comparable to childbirth. The journey of a stone from the kidney through the narrow ureter and into the bladder is what causes the characteristic renal colic—intense, waves of pain.
The Four Main Types of Urinary Stones
Knowing your stone type is crucial for effective treatment and prevention, as the strategy to get rid of kidney stones can vary.
1. Calcium Oxalate: The most common type (about 80%), often caused by high oxalate foods (spinach, nuts), high doses of Vitamin D, or metabolic disorders.
2. Uric Acid: These form when urine is persistently acidic. They are common in people who eat a high-protein diet, have gout, or don't drink enough fluids.
3. Struvite: These less common stones can form as a result of a kidney infection (e.g., UTIs). They can grow quickly and become quite large.
4. Cystine: These are rare and tend to run in families (genetic disorder called cystinuria that causes cystine to leak into the urine).
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First Steps: Recognizing the Signs You Might Have a Stone
- Early recognition can help you manage the situation better. Common symptoms of kidney stones include:
- Severe pain: A sharp, cramping pain in the back, side, lower abdomen, or groin that comes in waves.
- Painful urination: A burning sensation when you urinate.
- Pink, red, or brown urine: A clear sign of blood in the urine (hematuria).
- Cloudy or foul-smelling urine: Can indicate an infection.
- Nausea and vomiting: A common reaction to severe pain.
- Persistent urge to urinate: Urinating more frequently than usual or in small amounts.
When It's an Emergency: Signs You Must See a Doctor
While many stones pass on their own, some situations require immediate medical attention. If your condition does not improve after trying home methods, or if you experience any of the following, book a physical visit to a doctor with Apollo24|7 or go to the ER:
- Pain is so severe you can't sit still or find a comfortable position.
- Pain accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and fever or chills (a sign of infection).
- Difficulty passing any urine at all.
- Blood in your urine.
The Natural Approach: How to Pass Small Kidney Stones at Home
For stones smaller than 5mm, natural methods are often the first and most effective line of defense. The goal is to create a high-flow environment in your urinary tract to flush the stone out.
Hydration is Your #1 Medicine
This is non-negotiable. Water dilutes the substances in urine that lead to stones. Aim to drink 2-3 liters of water throughout the day. Your urine should be a very light, pale yellow color. This is the single most effective thing you can do to help pass a kidney stone.
The Power of Lemon Juice and Citrate
Citrate, a salt in citric acid, naturally prevents calcium stones from forming and can break up small stones. A simple and powerful home remedy is to squeeze fresh lemons into your water. Aim for a half-cup of pure lemon juice mixed with water throughout the day. Studies have shown citrate therapy to be highly effective in preventing stone recurrence.
Movement and Gravity: Can Exercise Help Pass a Stone?
Light, gentle movement like walking or jogging can use gravity to help move the stone along its path. However, avoid strenuous exercise which could lead to dehydration. Bumping up and down may subtly shift the stone's position.
Managing the Pain While You Wait
Your doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs (like ibuprofen) or stronger pain relievers to manage the discomfort. A hot bath or a heating pad applied to your back or side can also relax muscles and provide significant relief from spasms.
When Nature Needs a Nudge: Medical Procedures for Larger Stones
Stones larger than 5mm often get stuck and require medical intervention. If symptoms persist beyond two weeks, consult a doctor online with Apollo24|7 for further evaluation and to discuss these options.
Shock Wave Lithotripsy (SWL): Breaking Stones from Outside
This is the most common non-invasive procedure for medium-sized stones. High-energy sound waves are targeted at the kidney stone from outside the body to break it into tiny, passable fragments. You are typically under light anesthesia for this procedure.
Ureteroscopy: A Tiny Camera to Find and Remove Stones
For stones lodged in the ureter, a thin, lighted scope (ureteroscope) is passed through the urethra and bladder to the stone. The surgeon can then remove the stone with a small basket or break it up using a laser. The fragments are then passed naturally.
Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL): For the Biggest Stones
For very large stones (often >2cm), a small incision is made in your back, and a tunnel is created directly into the kidney. A nephroscope is used to locate and remove the stone. This is the most invasive option but is highly effective for complex stones.
Stop Stones Before They Start: Effective Prevention Strategies
Once you've passed a stone, your number one goal is to prevent another. About 50% of people will have a recurrence within 5-10 years without preventive measures.
Your Daily Water Intake Goal
Make 2.5 to 3 liters of fluids (mostly water) your daily habit. This is the cornerstone of all kidney stone prevention plans.
Dietary Tweaks Based on Your Stone Type
If you can, have your passed stone analyzed. This will guide your specific dietary changes.
If You Have Calcium Oxalate Stones...
- Reduce sodium: High salt intake increases calcium in your urine.
- Limit high-oxalate foods: Enjoy spinach, nuts, rhubarb, and beets in moderation.
- Eat calcium-rich foods with meals: Dietary calcium binds to oxalate in your intestines, preventing it from
- reaching your kidneys. Don't avoid calcium.
If You Have Uric Acid Stones
- Limit animal protein: Red meat, organ meats, and shellfish increase uric acid production.
- Avoid sugary drinks and fructose: They can increase uric acid levels.
Quick Takeaways: Your Action Plan Against Kidney Stones
- Water is Your Best Friend: Drink 2.5-3 liters of water daily to dilute stone-forming minerals.
- Lemon Juice is a Powerful Tool: Its citrate content can help break down and prevent calcium-based stones.
- Know When to Seek Help: Severe pain, fever, chills, or inability to urinate are red flags—see a doctor immediately.
- Move Gently: Light walking can use gravity to help move a small stone along.
- Prevention is Key: Once a stone is passed, analyze it and adjust your diet (reduce sodium/oxalate/animal protein) to prevent the next one.
- Don't Fear Dietary Calcium: Calcium from food binds with oxalate; the problem is often too much sodium, not calcium.
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Conclusion
Dealing with urinary stones can be a daunting and painful experience, but it's one you can manage and overcome. The path to get rid of kidney stones effectively starts with understanding your situation—the size and type of stone dictate the best course of action. For small stones, a disciplined regimen of hydration, citrate, and pain management can often provide relief. For larger, more stubborn stones, modern medical procedures like lithotripsy offer effective and minimally invasive solutions. Most importantly, remember that prevention through sustained lifestyle changes is your strongest defense against recurrence. Stay hydrated, eat mindfully, and listen to your body. If you're ever unsure, never hesitate to seek professional medical guidance to ensure you're on the safest and most effective path to recovery.
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Dr. Sandhya Chandel
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
16 Years • MBBS, MD (Int. Med.), IDCCM
Bilaspur
Apollo Hospitals Seepat Road, Bilaspur
(125+ Patients)
Dr. Mohamed Azeem
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
2 Years • MBBS,MD(Internal Medicine) CCEBDM
Karaikudi
Apollo Hospitals Karaikudi, Karaikudi
Dr. Anand Ravi
General Physician
2 Years • MBBS
Bengaluru
PRESTIGE SHANTHINIKETAN - SOCIETY CLINIC, Bengaluru
Dr Syed Mateen Pasha
General Physician
2 Years • MBBS
Bengaluru
PRESTIGE SHANTHINIKETAN - SOCIETY CLINIC, Bengaluru
Dr. Syed Ismail Ali
General Practitioner
7 Years • MBBS
Hyderabad
Apollo 24|7 Clinic, Hyderabad
Consult Top Specialists
Dr. Sandhya Chandel
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
16 Years • MBBS, MD (Int. Med.), IDCCM
Bilaspur
Apollo Hospitals Seepat Road, Bilaspur
(125+ Patients)
Dr. Mohamed Azeem
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
2 Years • MBBS,MD(Internal Medicine) CCEBDM
Karaikudi
Apollo Hospitals Karaikudi, Karaikudi
Dr. Anand Ravi
General Physician
2 Years • MBBS
Bengaluru
PRESTIGE SHANTHINIKETAN - SOCIETY CLINIC, Bengaluru
Dr Syed Mateen Pasha
General Physician
2 Years • MBBS
Bengaluru
PRESTIGE SHANTHINIKETAN - SOCIETY CLINIC, Bengaluru
Dr. Syed Ismail Ali
General Practitioner
7 Years • MBBS
Hyderabad
Apollo 24|7 Clinic, Hyderabad
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fastest way to dissolve a kidney stone?
While no method is instant, the fastest natural approach for small stones is aggressive hydration with lemon water. Medical procedures like lithotripsy are the fastest overall method for larger stones that won't pass on their own.
How can I relieve kidney stone pain at home?
Over-the-counter NSAIDs like ibuprofen can help manage inflammation and pain. Applying a heating pad to your back or side and taking a warm bath can also relax muscles and ease spasms.
Does apple cider vinegar help break up kidney stones?
There is limited scientific evidence. While it's acidic, it's not a significant source of citrate like lemon juice. It's not a recommended primary treatment. Rely on proven methods like hydration and doctor-approved medications.
How long does it take to pass a kidney stone naturally?
This depends entirely on the stone's size and location. It can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. If a stone hasn't passed after 4-6 weeks, medical intervention is usually recommended.
Can I prevent kidney stones from coming back?
Absolutely. Consistent hydration is the most critical factor. Follow a balanced diet low in sodium and animal protein, and work with your doctor to understand your specific stone type for targeted dietary changes.