About 1 in 10 Americans will experience a kidney stone in their lifetime. These painful stones form when minerals in urine crystallize, but with the right care, they’re treatable and often preventable. That care is conveniently available to residents of Dodge and Jefferson counties at Watertown Regional Medical Center.

What Are Kidney Stones?

Kidney stones are hard mineral deposits that form in the kidneys when substances like calcium, oxalate, and uric acid become concentrated in urine. These stones can vary in size from a grain of sand to a golf ball, and may travel through the urinary tract, causing intense pain.

How Common Are They?

1 in 10 people will have a kidney stone at some point, and more than 500,000 Emergency Room visits occur annually due to kidney stones. Prevalence increases with age and is higher in men.

Why Do People Get Kidney Stones?

Several factors contribute to stone formation:

• Dehydration: Not drinking enough water concentrates urine.
• Diet: High intake of salt, sugar, and animal protein.
• Medical conditions: Obesity, diabetes, gout, and digestive disorders.
• Genetics: Family history increases risk.
• Medications and supplements: Excess vitamin C, calcium supplements, and certain drugs.

Symptoms to Watch For

Kidney stones often cause symptoms when they move through the urinary tract, including:

• Severe pain in the back, side, or lower abdomen
• Pain or burning during urination
• Blood in urine (pink, red, or brown)
• Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
• Nausea, vomiting, fever, or chills

Prevention Tips

You can reduce your risk with a few lifestyle changes:

• Drink plenty of water: Aim for 2–3 liters daily.
• Limit salt and sugar: These increase calcium in urine.
•  Eat calcium-rich foods: Helps bind oxalate in the gut.
• Moderate animal protein: Too much can raise uric acid.
• Balance oxalate intake: Avoid excess spinach, beets, and almonds if prone to stones.
• Get a 24-hour urine test: Helps tailor your prevention plan.

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the size and location of the stone:

• Small stones: Often pass naturally with hydration and pain management.
• Medications: Alpha blockers (e.g., tamsulosin) help relax the ureter.
• Shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL): Breaks stones into smaller pieces.
• Ureteroscopy: Removes stones using a thin scope.
• Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL): Surgery for large or complex stones.

When to See a Doctor

If you experience severe pain, blood in urine, or signs of infection, contact your healthcare provider immediately. Urologists are on call 24/7 at the Watertown Regional Medical Center Emergency Room.

And for non-emergencies, our Urologists specialize in diagnosing and treating kidney stones and can help you develop a personalized prevention and treatment plan. Call us at 920.206.3042 to learn more or make an appointment. To learn more about all urology services offered at Watertown Regional, visit WatertownRegional.com/urology.