Small kidney stones that don't block your kidney or cause other health troubles can be treated by your primary healthcare professional. But if you have a large kidney stone and have serious pain or kidney troubles, you may need to see a specialist. Have you ever wondered how people get kidney stones? If so, you’re not alone. While kidney stones are common and painful, many people don’t know what causes them or how to prevent them. From your lower back to groin, kidney stone pain can shift quickly. Learn why stones hurt and what to do when you’re in pain. Kidney stones: There could be several causes of kidney stones. Learn about some of the most common causes, symptoms, treatment options, and risk factors involved. What are kidney stones? Kidney stones are solid masses or crystals that form from substances (like minerals, acids and salts) in your kidneys. They can be as small as a grain of sand or — rarely — larger than a golf ball. Kidney stones are also called renal calculi or nephrolithiasis. You can limit your risk of kidney stones by hydrating, eating calcium-rich foods, plus fruits and vegetables, and limiting meat, sodium and sugar. If you’ve ever passed a kidney stone, we’ve got some bad news: There’s a high chance you’ll feel that intense pain again. Kidney stones can affect any of the organs that make urine or remove it from the body — from the kidneys to the bladder. Often, stones form when the urine has less water in it. Learn about the stages of kidney stone passage, from formation to exit, and the symptoms and treatments you might encounter along the way. Kidney stone disease or urinary stone disease is a crystallopathy that occurs when there is an excess of minerals in the urine and not enough liquid or hydration. This imbalance causes tiny crystals to aggregate and form hard masses, or calculi (stones), in the upper urinary tract. Learn what causes kidney stones, symptoms, treatments, and how to prevent them with a personalized plan.