Every year, over 500,000 men and women throughout the United States find themselves visiting the emergency room due to the severe pain caused by kidney stones. In the midst of such an excruciating experience, it’s understandable that you’re not immediately concerned with the specifics of what kind of kidney stone you have, why it formed, or how to stop it from coming back.
But taking the time to learn about the different types of kidney stones and identifying lifestyle changes that can prevent future occurrences is a crucial step toward long-term relief. Modern Urology, based in Colorado, is dedicated to helping patients regain control over their health and leave kidney stone troubles in the past.
To assist in your journey toward better kidney health, the team at Modern Urology has created this helpful guide to understanding the four primary types of kidney stones, why they develop, and the steps you can take to avoid them. After all, experiencing a kidney stone once is often more than enough motivation to make changes that help ensure it never happens again.
Breaking Down Kidney Stones with Four Key Types
Kidney stones come in different forms, each with distinct causes and treatments. Identifying the type of stone you have, whether it is Calcium, Uric Acid, Struvite or Cystine, can help you find effective treatments and prevent future issues. Let’s look at each type to protect your kidney health.
1. Calcium-Based Kidney Stones
Calcium stones, often referred to as calcium oxalate or calcium phosphate stones, are the most frequently occurring type of kidney stone. All kidney stones form from mineral clusters in your kidneys, and in the case of calcium stones, they primarily consist of:
- Calcium
- Oxalate
- Phosphate
Interestingly, calcium stones don’t form as a result of consuming too much calcium. In fact, they often indicate that your calcium intake is too low. When your body has enough calcium, it binds with oxalates and phosphates, making it easier to eliminate these minerals through urine.
Oxalates are naturally present in many healthy foods, especially green, leafy vegetables. However, consuming large quantities of foods high in oxalates without balancing them with calcium-rich foods can result in the formation of calcium stones.
If you’re prone to developing calcium kidney stones, consider the following preventive measures:
- Pair foods high in oxalates with foods containing calcium to aid mineral binding.
- Avoid eating raw oxalate-rich foods, such as raw spinach.
- Cook, sprout, or ferment foods containing oxalates to reduce their concentration.
- Steer clear of calcium supplements, as excessive supplementation can contribute to stone formation.
In some cases, you may be able to break down a calcium oxalate stone with vitamin C supplementation. For those with calcium phosphate stones, it’s important to investigate potential underlying issues, such as urinary tract infections (UTIs) or other medical conditions that may require professional medical attention.
2. Uric Acid Kidney Stones
When you consume foods high in purines, your body breaks them down into uric acid, which it then eliminates through urine. However, if you consume too many purines, your body can produce more uric acid than it can excrete. Instead of being expelled, the excess uric acid can accumulate in your kidneys and other areas of the body, such as the big toe joint, where it may result in gout.
To help prevent the formation of uric acid stones, staying properly hydrated is a crucial first step. This means drinking more than the recommended 8-10 cups of water each day, particularly if you engage in intense physical activities or sweat heavily. Proper hydration helps dilute the uric acid, making it less likely to form stones.
In addition to hydration, it’s wise to reduce your intake of high-purine foods, which contribute to the production of uric acid. Limit foods like red meat, seafood, and beer, as these are known to contain high levels of purines. Avoid organ meats as well, such as liver and kidney, as they are often rich in purines and significantly increase the likelihood of uric acid stone development. Making these dietary changes can go a long way in protecting your kidneys and overall health.
3. Struvite Kidney Stones
Struvite stones make up about 15% of all kidney stones and consist of hard clusters of minerals, primarily magnesium ammonium phosphate. Unlike other types of kidney stones, you can’t prevent struvite stones through dietary changes.
Instead, struvite stones form as a result of urinary tract infections (UTIs). When you have a UTI, the bacteria responsible for the infection can produce an enzyme called urease. This enzyme causes the minerals in your urine to crystallize and form hard struvite stones in your kidneys and urinary tract.
To effectively address struvite stones, it’s essential to treat the underlying UTI. Modern Urology in Colorado employs antibiotics to clear the infection and may also prescribe medications like urease inhibitors or acetohydroxamic acid (AHA) to help dissolve the stones.
Additionally, the team at Modern Urology emphasizes the importance of preventing future UTIs. Staying well-hydrated and adopting a healthy lifestyle—such as maintaining good hygiene, consuming a balanced diet, and incorporating regular physical activity—can significantly reduce the risk of UTIs. Taking these proactive measures helps safeguard your kidney health and minimizes the chance of developing struvite stones again.
4. Cystine Kidney Stones
Cystine stones are a rare type of kidney stone, but their rarity doesn’t make them any less problematic. These stones are often larger than other kidney stones and can be difficult, if not impossible, to pass naturally through the urinary tract.
Cystine stones form due to a genetic condition known as cystinuria, which prevents the body from breaking down cystine—a common amino acid present in nearly all cells. Instead of being processed, excess cystine accumulates in the urine and kidneys, eventually forming large, painful stones.
If you have small cystine stones, Modern Urology in Colorado may recommend treatments like a trial of passage, ureteral stents, or surgical procedures to address the issue. Larger stones often require more advanced treatments to safely and effectively remove them.
Conclusion
Understanding the different types of kidney stones, including calcium-based, uric acid, struvite and cystine, is the first step in taking control of your kidney health. While each type forms for unique reasons, preventive measures and early intervention can help reduce your risk and ensure long-term kidney wellness. Whether it’s pairing calcium-rich foods with oxalates, staying hydrated to prevent uric acid buildup, treating UTIs to prevent struvite stones, or getting specialized care for cystine stones, proactive action is essential.
At Modern Urology in Colorado, we don’t just treat kidney stones. We educate and work closely with our patients to find lasting solutions. We focus on conservative treatments first, use advanced diagnostic tools and therapies, and take a comprehensive approach to kidney care. Our goal is to support, listen and guide every patient toward better health. Don’t let kidney stones take over your life. Contact Modern Urology today for the expertise and care you deserve.
Call (303) 558-4995 or book your appointment online and let us help you achieve long-term kidney health.
FAQs
What are the most common types of kidney stones?
The most common types are calcium-based stones, followed by uric acid stones, struvite stones, and cystine stones. Each type forms due to different minerals and body conditions.
Can lifestyle changes help prevent kidney stones?
Yes! Staying hydrated, balancing your diet, and limiting foods high in oxalates or purines can help prevent most kidney stones. Regular physical activity also boosts overall kidney health.
Why do struvite kidney stones form?
Struvite stones form primarily due to urinary tract infections (UTIs). Bacteria in the UTI produce an enzyme called urease, which crystallizes minerals into hard stones in the kidneys.
Are cystine kidney stones harder to treat?
Yes, cystine stones are often larger and harder to pass naturally. Treatment usually involves advanced procedures or surgical interventions to safely remove these stones.
How can Modern Urology Colorado help with kidney stone problems?
Modern Urology provides comprehensive diagnostic care, conservative treatments, and advanced therapies, working closely with patients to prevent future kidney stones and maintain overall kidney health.
Dr. Carolyn Fronczak is the founder and Medical Director of Modern Urology Colorado. She is board certified by the American Board of Urology, with expertise in both men’s and women’s urologic care. She completed her medical degree at the University of Colorado School of Medicine and her surgical training at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. Dr. Fronczak has treated thousands of patients in the Boulder/Denver area.