If you’re having an immediate kidney stone issue, call us at 1-844-NOSTONE for a same-day appointment.
Kidney stones are an unfortunate reality for more than 2 million Americans, but many of us still don’t know how to go about normal routines while passing one. When it comes to exercising with stones, there are right and wrong ways to go about your workout. These are the four basic principles to keep in mind to maintain optimal health:
- Listen to your body. In general, there’s no reason for a kidney stone to stop you from living your normal life. If your pain is being properly managed, feel free to continue to work out as you normally would. It’s important, however, that you pay attention to your body and stop activity as soon as you feel a strange sensation or pain in the abdomen or lower back. If you aren’t feeling well, but would still like to stay active, try a light walk or yoga session to give your body a break.
- Drink lots of water, then drink some more. When you have a kidney stone, staying hydrated is critically important. Exercise caution by drinking plenty of water before, during and after your workout. You can also mix up your beverage options with cranberry juices and lemonade to help break down certain types of kidney stones.
- Ask your urologist first if you are on any medications. Certain pain medications can cause unexpected reactions in patients who have never taken them before, or who are taking exceptionally high doses. If your urologist has prescribed any medications to you, you should ask them about potential side effects before exercising in order to minimize your risk.
- Exercise might actually promote stone passing. Unfortunately, kidney stones can have a mind of their own when it comes to passing through the urinary system. In the worst cases, stones can get lodged and refuse to pass easily on their own and therefore must be retrieved. The good news is, cautious exercise can actually be helpful in moving stones along naturally. If you feel up to it, a light jog or other cardio workout could be enough to shorten your kidney stone’s unwelcome stay.
While light cardio is generally a safe option, you may need to get your urologist’s approval if this is your first time living with a stone. Just like consulting your doctor before beginning a new exercise program is a good idea, it is also a good idea to consult your urologist when working out with a new kidney stone to make sure your particular case is safe. If you’d like to set up a consultation, or if you think you may have a kidney stone, call us today at 1-877-321-8452.
