Kidney Stones

What are kidney stones?

Kidney stones are hard crystals that form when certain minerals in your urine become too concentrated — a bit like sugar settling out of over-sweetened tea. Stones can be as small as a grain of sand or as large as a marble.

Small stones may pass on their own. Larger ones can block the flow of urine, causing waves of severe pain in your back or side, nausea, and blood in the urine.

Here in Texas and Oklahoma, hot summers make stones more common — sweating concentrates your urine, and concentrated urine grows crystals.

When should you see a kidney specialist?

• You've had more than one stone — repeat stones mean something in your body chemistry is driving them
• A scan shows several stones, even if they haven't caused pain yet
• Stones run in your family
• You have one kidney, kidney disease, or gut conditions that raise stone risk
• You formed a stone as a teenager or young adult

A urologist removes stones that are stuck. A nephrologist's job is different: we find out why your body makes stones, and stop the next one. Many patients need both of us — we work together.

How we prevent the next stone

• Stone analysis — if you caught your stone, we find out what it's made of
• 24-hour urine testing — the gold standard for finding your personal stone drivers
• A fluid plan — how much to drink, and what counts (water isn't the only option)
• Food changes that fit your life — usually less salt, moderate protein, and normal calcium (cutting calcium is a common mistake that can make stones worse)
• Medicines when needed — a daily pill can dramatically cut stone formation for some people

With testing and a tailored plan, most repeat stone formers can cut their risk by half or more.

What to expect at your visit

Bring any scan reports, your stone analysis if you have one, and a list of your medicines and supplements. Dr. Lal will review how your stones formed, order the right urine and blood tests, and build your prevention plan at the follow-up visit once results are in. Follow-ups are often possible by telehealth.

See what to bring to your first visit →

If this is an emergency, call 911. Severe pain with fever and chills, or being unable to urinate at all, can mean a blocked, infected kidney — go to the emergency room now.