Kidney Stones
Kidney Stone Specialist in Pennsylvania (Nephrolithiasis Doctors)
Kidney stones, or nephrolithiasis, are hard, crystalline mineral deposits that form inside the kidneys. The expert staff at Clinical Renal Associates is ready to guide you through the diagnosis and treatment of kidney stones. Our team of board-certified specialists offers a compassionate and streamlined approach to your care.
Recognizing Kidney Stone Symptoms
Patients commonly experience sharp, severe pain in the side and back, just below the rib cage, sometimes radiating to the lower abdomen and groin. Other symptoms of kidney stones include an increased urge to urinate, cloudy or foul-smelling urine, and burning or painful urination.
Preventing Future Kidney Stones
Kidney stone disease is often a recurring problem. Patients who have a history of developing kidney stones twice, or even a single kidney stone that required intervention for removal typically need a thorough metabolic evaluation to determine the specific cause of their kidney disease. Based on the results, your nephrologist may recommend dietary changes or medication therapy to decrease the frequency of kidney stone development. While no treatment can completely prevent stones from forming, these interventions can be very effective in lowering the risk.
Effective, Personal Kidney Stone Treatment
For smaller stones, your physician may recommend increased fluid intake to help them pass naturally. Pain medication can be prescribed to manage discomfort. For larger or obstructing stones, medical procedures such as shockwave lithotripsy or other surgical interventions may be necessary to break up or remove the larger deposits. Consult with the expert staff at Clinical Renal Associates to discuss the best treatment options for you.