Urology Specialists of Milford, serving Milford, MA, and the nearby region, helps those with kidney stone pain and other unpleasant symptoms of this urological condition. Our Dr. Jeffrey Steinberg offers a number of treatments to assist and would like to educate you about these options.
General Information About Kidney Stones
Kidney stones are hard deposits that form inside your kidneys. They're comprised of minerals and salts. Certain factors make you more prone to this issue, such as excess body weight, certain medication conditions, some supplements, and diet, among others. These stones can be present in any part of your urinary tract from your kidneys to your bladder.
Some kidney stones pass through your system with no complications, and you may never know you have them. However, other, larger stones can be difficult and painful to pass. But, if you take notice of the symptoms, such as cloudy urine, sharp pain in the side, and a persistent need to urinate, among others, you can receive treatment early.
Dealing With Kidney Stone Pain
When you visit our Milford, MA, office, our practitioner will ask you about your symptoms. Our practitioner will also want to know about your medical history and lifestyle to determine the root cause and prevent kidney stones in the future.
Part of the process may consist of a urinalysis, blood test, or imaging to diagnose the condition and its severity. Our physician then will determine a plan of action most specific to your condition.
It may be comprised of you taking a pain medication as the kidney passes naturally. You'll be encouraged to enhance your water intake during this time. Sometimes, the practitioner will take an alpha-blocker to help pass the stone.
The urologist may advise you to undergo extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) for larger kidney stones. With this particular treatment, sound waves are sent throughout the area to break up the kidney stone.
In the more serious cases when none of these treatment options are effective, the practitioner may recommend you undergo surgical removal. This consist of a surgeon making an incision in your back and inserting small tools to remove it.
A urethroscope may be used for smaller stones in the ureter or kidney. Once the location of the stone is detected, other tools are used to break up or snare the stone. Since it's in smaller pieces, it can then pass through your system more easily.
At Urology Specialists of Milford, serving Milford, MA, and the general vicinity, Dr. Steinberg can help if you have kidney stone pain through a number of methods. After a comprehensive diagnostic process, he'll determine the right one.
Schedule an appointment today by dialing 508-473-6333.