How to Pass a Kidney Stone at Home

If you are having an immediate issue, call us at 1-844-NOSTONE for a same-day appointment.

At Arkansas Urology, we understand how sudden and intense kidney stone pain can be. If you are dealing with symptoms right now, it can feel urgent to find relief quickly. Kidney stones affect about 10% of Americans at some point in their lives, and nearly 50% of those individuals will experience another stone in the future.

The good news is that many smaller kidney stones can pass at home. Knowing how to pass a kidney stone at home safely can help reduce discomfort and avoid unnecessary trips to the emergency room. However, it is important to understand when home care is appropriate and when medical treatment is needed, especially since symptoms can sometimes overlap with urinary tract infections.

Can You Pass a Kidney Stone at Home?

Yes, many kidney stones can pass on their own, especially if they are small stones. However, a large kidney stone may require medical care. In some situations, people may still attempt to pass kidney stones at home with guidance, but this depends on symptoms and overall safety. Small kidney stones that are only a few millimeters in size often move through the urinary tract without the need for procedures. However, the process can still be uncomfortable and may take several days to weeks.

The key factors are the size of the stone, your symptoms, and whether there are complications such as infection or blockage. If pain is manageable and there are no warning signs, passing a stone at home is often possible with the right approach.

When You Should NOT Try to Pass a Kidney Stone at Home

While many stones can pass on their own, there are certain symptoms that should never be ignored.

Seek medical care right away if you experience:

• Fever

• Vomiting

• Blood in your urine

• Severe or unbearable pain

You should also seek care if you are unable to pass urine or suspect a blockage. These symptoms may indicate an infection or a more serious complication that requires immediate treatment.

How to Pass a Kidney Stone at Home

Understanding how your body moves a stone can help set expectations. The ureter muscles contract to push the stone along, and staying hydrated supports this natural process. While the goal is to achieve a kidney stone pass without complications, patience is often required as the body works to move the stone through the urinary tract.

If your provider has indicated it is safe to manage your symptoms at home, there are several steps you can take to help with passing kidney stones and reduce discomfort.

1. Drink Plenty of Water

Hydration is the most important step when trying to pass a kidney stone and support kidney function. Make sure to drink plenty of water, as this helps increase urine flow, which can push the stone through the urinary system.

Aim to drink enough fluids so that your urine stays clear or light in color. Consistent hydration throughout the day is more effective than drinking large amounts at once.

2. Manage Kidney Stone Pain

Kidney stone pain can come in waves. You may experience sharp or severe pain at times. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help make the process more manageable. Always follow recommended dosing guidelines and consult your provider if pain becomes difficult to control, and rely on trusted health information when choosing medications.

3. Use Heat for Relief

Applying a heating pad to your lower back or abdomen can help relax muscles and reduce discomfort. Warm baths may also provide temporary relief during more intense episodes of pain.

4. Stay Active

While it may be tempting to rest, light movement can actually help the stone pass more quickly. Walking or gentle activity encourages the stone to continue moving through the urinary tract and may help pass kidney stones more efficiently over time.

5. Make Supportive Diet Choices

Some dietary habits may help support the process and act as natural remedies, particularly when focusing on hydration and limiting certain rich foods. Adding lemon juice to your water provides citric acid, which may help reduce the formation of kidney stones. Some people also use small amounts of apple cider vinegar, although this should be done cautiously. At the same time, it is best to avoid sugary drinks, soda, and high-oxalate foods while your body is working to pass the stone.

What Are the Symptoms of Kidney Stones?

Kidney stones are known for causing sudden and intense kidney stone pain. These are some of the most common symptoms of kidney stones. This pain often begins in the lower back or side and can move toward the lower abdomen or groin as the stone travels.

You may also notice urinary symptoms such as frequent urination, discomfort during urination, or changes in urine color. The intensity of symptoms can vary depending on the size of the stone and how it moves through the urinary tract.

When Medical Treatment Is Needed

It is important to recognize that larger kidney stones are less likely to pass on their own and often require additional care.

In some cases of large stones, passing a kidney stone at home is not possible or safe. If the stone is too large, causing significant blockage, or leading to ongoing pain that cannot be controlled, medical intervention may be necessary.

Treatment options are designed to either break up the stone or remove it so it can pass more easily.

Treatment options may include:

• Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL), which uses sound waves to break stones into smaller pieces

• Ureteroscopy, where a small scope is used to locate and remove or break up the stone

• Percutaneous nephrolithotomy, a minimally invasive procedure used for larger stones

• Alpha blockers, which may help relax the ureter and improve urine flow

• In rare cases, surgical intervention may be required

How to Prevent Future Kidney Stones

Because kidney stones often return, prevention is an important part of long-term care, especially for patients with past kidney stones. Nearly half of patients who develop a kidney stone will experience another one in the future.

In addition to hydration and diet, understanding the type of stone and your individual risk factors can help guide a long-term treatment plan. Working with a healthcare professional ensures that prevention strategies are tailored to your needs and reduces the chances of recurring stones.

Staying well hydrated is one of the most effective ways to reduce your risk. Drinking enough water throughout the day helps prevent mineral deposits from building up and forming stones.

Diet also plays a role. Adding lemon to your water provides citric acid, which may help reduce kidney stone formation. Some stones, such as calcium stones or uric acid stones, are influenced by diet and fluid intake.

Small, consistent changes can have a meaningful impact on preventing new stones and supporting long-term urinary health.

When to Call Arkansas Urology

If you are dealing with kidney stone pain or having difficulty passing a stone, you do not have to manage it alone. At Arkansas Urology, we offer same-day appointments to help patients get fast relief and the care they need.

If your symptoms are worsening or you are unsure what to do next, call 1-844-NOSTONE to speak with our team. A healthcare provider can help determine whether at-home care is appropriate or if treatment is needed.

Taking action early can help prevent complications related to other medical conditions and get you back to feeling better sooner.