Kidney Stones Specialist
YOU & WEE Urologic Surgery & Wellness
Urology Clinic and Medical Spa & General Urology, Urologic Oncology, Robotic and Laparoscopic Urologic Surgery located in Sarasota, FL
According to the National Institutes of Health, about 1 in 10 people develop kidney stones at some point in their life. Most kidney stones pass on their own, but those that don’t can get stuck, block urine flow, and cause extreme pain. Expert urologist Jared Wallen, MD, and the team diagnose and treat kidney stones at YOU & WEE Urologic Surgery & Wellness in Sarasota, Florida. If you have symptoms of a kidney stone, don’t wait until complications arise. Call or book an appointment online today.
Kidney Stones Q & A
What are kidney stones?
Kidney stones are solid deposits that develop in your kidney. They begin as microscopic particles in your urine that gradually harden into stones. Kidney stones can range in size from a grain of sand to a pearl.
Passing a kidney stone can be painful, but usually doesn’t cause permanent damage when the stone is detected early. Many men and women successfully pass kidney stones with nothing more than pain-relieving medication and plenty of water.
However, stones that pass out of your kidney and get stuck in the tube that connects the kidney to the bladder can cause excruciating pain in your low back and groin. Kidney stones that become stuck or don’t pass on their own require medical treatment.
What are the symptoms of kidney stones?
You may not have any signs or symptoms of a kidney stone until it moves. At that point, you may experience:
- Painful urination
- A constant urge to urinate
- Frequent passing of small amounts of urine
- Severe pain in your back, below your ribs
- Pain that radiates toward your groin
- Nausea and vomiting
- Cloudy or discolored urine
- Urine with a strong odor
If you notice any of these symptoms, talk to the team at YOU & WEE Urologic Surgery & Wellness.
Who gets kidney stones?
Certain factors can increase your risk of kidney stones, such as:
- A family or personal history of kidney stones
- Dehydration
- Obesity
- Diets high in sodium, protein, and sugar
Kidney stones are also most common in adults ages 30-45, with men being about three times more likely to develop them than women.
How do you diagnose and treat kidney stones?
First, the team at YOU & WEE Urologic Surgery & Wellness performs a thorough physical exam and reviews your medical history. If they suspect you have kidney stones, they may suggest diagnostic tests, such as blood or urine tests, X-rays, or an ultrasound.
Then, they develop a treatment plan tailored to your specific condition. Depending on the size and location of your kidney stones, this may include lifestyle changes such as drinking more water, medications, or prescription-strength painkillers.
If the stones don’t pass on their own, the team may recommend surgery to remove them. YOU & WEE Urologic Surgery & Wellness can perform minimally invasive surgeries including:
- Ureteroscopy
- Shock wave lithotripsy
- Percutaneous nephrolithotomy
The team at YOU & WEE Urologic Surgery & Wellness can determine the treatment that is best for your condition.
To find out if your pain is the result of a kidney stone, call YOU & WEE Urologic Surgery & Wellness or book an appointment online for treatment today.