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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staffKidney stones (renal lithiasis) are small, hard deposits of mineral and acid salts on the inner surfaces of your kidneys. Normally, the substances that make up kidney stones are diluted in the urine. When urine is concentrated, though, minerals may crystallize, stick together and solidify. The result is a kidney stone. Most kidney stones contain calcium.
Passing kidney stones can be excruciating. The pain they cause typically starts in your side or back, just below your ribs, and radiates to your lower abdomen and groin.
Painful as they are, kidney stones usually cause no permanent damage. Medical intervention — apart from pain medication — is often unnecessary.
Still, it's important to find out what type of kidney stone you have and why it developed. Some of the underlying causes of kidney stones can be treated to prevent new stones from forming. If no specific treatment exists, you may be able to stave off additional kidney stones simply by drinking more water and making a few dietary changes.
