A kidney stone is a solid lump or concretion (generally ranging in size from as small as a grain of sand to as large as a golf ball) produced from the combination of urinary organic matter and mineral deposition. These concretions may pass from the kidney, down the ureter, and into the bladder. They may occasionally get stuck in the ureter so that the passage for urine within the urinary tract is blocked.

People with kidney stones often have abdominal or back pain that can either be sharp or dull in nature. Urinary tract infections or blood in the urine can also be present. When an infection is present, a high fever may result. It is important to see your doctor if you have any of these symptoms because not only can kidney stones cause intense pain, but they can eventually lead to infections or kidney failure, which could require dialysis.