Are you experiencing pain since you’ve passed a kidney stone? You’re not alone.

Pain after passing a kidney stone is usually caused by irritation from the stone. You might have some residual soreness and pain, but this should be temporary.

In most cases, the pain should go away within a few days.

However, lingering pain after passing a kidney stone could be a sign that you have another stone, an obstruction, or infection.

The pain from kidney stones can be severe and is common. In this blog, we will simplify why you may be having a lingering pain after passing a stone. And what are the various ways by which you can prevent and manage kidney stones. Read on to know more.

Kidney Stones And Pain

Before diving into the pain after passing a kidney stone, let’s do a brief recap of what kidney stones are and why do they occur?

Made up of salts and minerals that couldn't dissolve in urine, kidney stones form inside the kidneys.

Kidney stones may occur as a result of various factors, such as:

• inadequate hydration

• food-related factors

• issues with metabolism

You have an increased chance of getting more kidney stones in the future if you already have one.

Once past the stone, the pain usually subsides. Even though it should only last temporarily, there may still be some soreness and pain.

Reasons Why Passing a Kidney Stone Can Hurt and Feel Uncomfortable ?

Pain usually subsides once a stone is eliminated from your body through urination. However, some people do continue to feel pain. There are several possible causes for this, like:

Persistent discomfort

Pain, soreness, and general discomfort may be the result of the stone passing through and causing minor inflammation or irritation. Should that be the case, these symptoms ought to go away in a few days.

One more kidney stone

CT scans can occasionally miss a second, smaller stone, even if they only detected one.

Additionally, you run the risk of getting kidney stones again after you've had one. Actually, after having one stone, a person has a 50% chance of developing another one in the next five years.

Obstruction

Urinary tract narrowing may be the cause of pain following kidney stone removal. This may be connected to inflammation or a build-up of scar tissue from the kidney stone passing through. A second stone could be obstructing the ureter as well.

You'll have difficulties urinating in any case.

The kidneys may suffer harm when pee backs up. Other indications of blockage include:

• Lower abdominal and groin pain that varies in intensity

• burning when urinating

• urine that is cloudy, pink, red, brown, or smells

• nausea

• fever

• vomiting,

• chills, and leg swelling

Constipation-causing drugs

Narcotics, or opioids, may have been prescribed by your physician to treat the pain. But you must be aware that opioid-induced constipation is one of these medications' side effects, which can cause discomfort and bloating in the abdomen. Verify that you are not taking more than you require.

Referred pain

Referred pain is what happens when you experience pain in one area but it comes from another.

Thus, the pain that bears a striking resemblance to kidney stone pain, may actually be caused by something else. A problem with the abdomen, genitalia, or digestive tract may be the real cause of pain in your side, back, or beneath your ribs.

Why Passing Kidney Stones Cause Pain in the Urethra?

While the pain may subside once the stone reaches your bladder, it may resurface as it exits your body via the urethra.

The urethra may be irritated when passing a large stone, but this should only be temporary.

Aside from passing a kidney stone, urethral pain can be caused by a variety of factors. A doctor should be consulted if the urethral pain persists.

How Does Passing a Kidney Stone Feel?

Small stones can pass without any symptoms at all, but larger stones can be a problem.

As long as the stone is in the kidney and not blocking the flow of urine, you probably won’t feel it. Eventually, the stone leaves the kidney and enters the ureter on its way to the bladder.

The ureters are tiny, about 1/8 inch wide, so if a stone can’t move through, it’s hard for urine to flow.

This can cause swelling and incredibly painful spasms (renal colic). You’ll feel a sharp, stabbing pain in your side or back, below the rib cage. Pain sometimes radiates to the groin and genitals.

You might find that the intensity of the pain changes as you change position and as the stone continues its journey through your urinary tract. You’ll probably find it near impossible to lie still, tossing and turning in an effort to stop the pain. Pain can subside for several hours before returning.

Other symptoms of kidney stones include:

• nausea

• vomiting

• blood in the urine

The pain tends to ease up once the stone reaches the bladder. If the stone is small, or has broken into small pieces, you may not feel it as it flows from the bladder, through the urethra, and out with the urine.

Stones don’t usually block the urethra, since it’s twice as wide as the ureters, but a larger stone can cause a resurgence of pain.

It takes an average of 31 days to pass a small stone. Stones 4 millimeters or larger may take longer or require a medical procedure to assist.

When To See a Doctor After Passing Kidney Stones

Once you’ve passed a kidney stone, symptoms should be greatly improved. See a doctor for follow-up as recommended. But call a doctor right away with additional concerns, particularly if you have:

• chills, fever

• confusion

• vomiting

• inability to urinate

• severe fatigue

• urine that has blood clots, is foul smelling, or cloudy

Treating Soreness After Passing Kidney Stones

A doctor will likely start with a physical examination and discussion of your symptoms. Diagnostic procedures may include:

• Imaging tests to check for additional stones or other problems

• 24-hour urine collection

• Blood work

Managing The Pain

Home remedies

Consume plenty of fluids, particularly water. This will improve urine flow and reduce the likelihood of a new stone forming. You're not drinking enough if your urine isn't very light in color.

Unless the pain is excruciating, try to stay physically active.

If you aren't taking prescription pain relievers, experiment with over-the-counter (OTC) medications for a few days. If you think you're going to pass another stone, use a strainer to collect the specimen and bring it to a doctor.

Medical Treatment

Take the prescribed medications and follow up as directed. Inform your doctor of any new or worsening symptoms. Additional treatment will be determined by the source of your ongoing discomfort or pain.

Keeping Future Kidney Stones At Bay

Having one kidney stone indicates that you may develop kidney stones in the future.

Here are some steps you can take to help prevent the formation of kidney stones:

• Unless otherwise directed by a doctor, drink about 2-1/2 liters of water per day. The amount of water required by each individual may differ.

• Keep a low-salt diet.

• Limit your daily intake of animal protein to 6 to 8 ounces.

• Reduce your sugar intake.

• Consume plenty of fruits and vegetables on a daily basis.

• If you take a vitamin C supplement, keep the dose under 1,000 milligrams per day.

If you have a history of kidney stones, a dietitian can review your eating habits and provide specific dietary tips to help lower your chances of developing kidney stones.

Know More About Kidney Stone Treatment

FAQ

What happens after a kidney stone passes?

You may feel pain and nausea as the stone fragments pass. This can happen soon after treatment and last 4 to 8 weeks. You may have bruises on your back or side if sound waves were used to treat the stone. You may also feel discomfort in the treatment area.

Why are kidney stones more painful at night?

People who have kidney stones usually have more pain in the late night and early morning. This is because people urinate less in the late night and early morning, causing the ureter to remain constricted.

Do the symptoms of passing a kidney stone go away?

Yes. While you may have passed the stone and simply not noticed it in your urine, it is important to understand that your pain may go away completely even if the stone is still blocking your kidney.

What are the signs of persistent pain that may indicate a problem?

• Intensity of pain: If the pain is as severe as or worse than the pain you felt while passing the stone, it could indicate a new stone, infection, or another problem.

• The site of the pain is: A bladder infection could be indicated by pain that shifts from your side or back to your lower abdomen or groin.

• Fever, chills, or nausea may indicate a urinary tract infection (UTI) or other complications.

• Difficulty or burning while urinating: This could be an indication of urinary tract inflammation or irritation.

• Blood in the urine can indicate an infection, inflammation, or another underlying condition.

What are the treatment options for lingering pain after passing a kidney stone?

The treatment options available to you will be determined by the underlying cause of your pain. It could include pain relievers, antibiotics for urinary tract infections, additional stone removal procedures, or other supportive measures.

How can I deal with lingering pain?

• Consult your doctor: About safe and appropriate over-the-counter pain relievers.

• Warm compresses: Apply for short periods to your abdomen or back to relax muscles.

• Drinking plenty of fluids: This aids in the flushing of your urinary tract and the prevention of infection.

• Rest: Allow your body to heal.