The type of kidneys stones and their severity will determine the best approach to take for treating them. In some cases the stones are so large they need to be surgically removed but if that's not the case with you, your doctor will probably advise you to treat them at home, possibly with pain medication. There are a variety of other treatments that are also helpful and here's a look at some of them.
There are certain medical procedures that can help if your kidney stones are extremely large or painful. One type of surgery is ureteroscopy in which a thin tube is inserted into the urinary tract so the kidney stones can be broken up or removed. Another option available to you is ESWL which uses shock waves to break up the kidney stones. In some cases, the stones are too large to remove by any other means, so open surgery may be recommended. The surgeon makes an incision in your side to remove the stone or stones.
But these procedures are only for stones that are too large to be passed on their own. It may also be recommended if you have an infection that can cause serious complications. Avoiding foods that are low in oxalate is one of the trickiest aspects of a diet that's healthy for kidney stones. Oxalates are natural substances that are found in many plant foods like green vegetables, berries, and grains. Normally, these are harmless, but some health experts believe they should be avoided if you have kidney stones, as they can bind to calcium, which most kidney stones are formed from. Look for a complete list of foods that are high in oxalates to help you eat a low oxalate diet, but some of the most common ones are spinach, parsley, strawberries, blueberries, wheat bran, wheat germ, peanuts, almonds, cashews, and chocolate.
Getting regular exercise is beneficial for everyone, but it's especially important when you have kidney stones. If you're suffering from severe pain, get medical help to get your symptoms under control which in some cases can be some kind of surgery. However, as part of your long term recovery and to prevent future problems, regular exercise is very important. Doing physical activity helps to direct calcium from your bloodstream, where it can cause problems, and into your bones where it can be helpful.
Start out by taking regular walks and build up to more strenuous exercise as you feel better.
Your first priority when you have kidney stones is controlling the pain but you also need to get rid of them as quickly as possible and prevent them from returning. The above treatments can be used as long term strategies for improving your health, especially your kidneys. For example, drinking enough water, getting regular exercise and eating a natural diet is good for you all the time, and can help you avoid problems like kidney stones.
