7 Early Signs of Kidney Stones You Shouldn't Ignore

Kidney stones are one of the most common urological problems we treat at Surecare Clinic — and they often start with symptoms that are easy to dismiss. Catching them early can mean the difference between a simple course of medication and a procedure.

What is a kidney stone?

A kidney stone is a hard deposit of minerals and salts that forms inside your kidneys. Small stones may pass on their own, but larger ones can block the flow of urine and cause intense pain.

If you’ve ever heard someone say passing a stone is “worse than childbirth,” they’re not exaggerating. Early detection helps you avoid that.

The 7 early warning signs

1. Sharp pain in your back or side, below the ribs, that comes in waves
2. Pain that radiates to the lower abdomen and groin
3. Blood in the urine — pink, red, or brown
4. Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
5. A persistent need to urinate, or urinating more often than usual
6. Burning during urination
7. Nausea, vomiting, or fever if an infection is present

When should you see a doctor?

Book a consultation if the pain is severe enough that you can’t sit still, if you notice blood in your urine, or if pain comes with fever and chills — that combination can signal a serious infection that needs urgent care.

At Surecare Clinic, our urology team offers laser and endoscopic stone treatment, plus on-site diagnostics with home sample collection so testing is convenient.

How we diagnose and treat stones

Diagnosis usually involves a urine test, blood work, and imaging such as an ultrasound or CT scan — all available in-house. Treatment depends on the size and location of the stone, ranging from increased fluids and medication to minimally invasive laser procedures for larger stones.

Don’t wait for the pain to become unbearable. If any of these signs sound familiar, reach out and let our specialists help.