Understanding Kidney Stones: Prevention and Treatment Options

Kidney stones are hard deposits made of minerals and salts that form inside your kidneys. While they can be extremely painful, advances in medical technology have made treatment more effective and less invasive than ever before. Types of Kidney Stones: - Calcium oxalate stones (most common) - Uric acid stones - Struvite stones - Cystine stones Prevention Strategies: 1. Stay well hydrated - aim for 8-10 glasses of water daily 2. Reduce sodium intake 3. Limit animal protein consumption 4. Increase citrate-rich foods like lemons and oranges 5. Maintain a healthy weight Treatment Options at Cleveland Clinic: - Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL) - Ureteroscopy with laser lithotripsy - Percutaneous nephrolithotomy for larger stones - Medical expulsive therapy Our urology team uses advanced imaging and treatment protocols to provide personalized care for every kidney stone patient.