Where is the best place to massage for kidney stones?

Written by Zeng Zhong
Urology
Updated on September 01, 2024
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Patients with kidney stones will find that massage is ineffective. For those with stones smaller than 0.5 cm, engaging in more physical activity such as playing basketball, jumping rope, or running, along with increasing fluid intake and urination, can help facilitate the expulsion of the stones. If the stones are larger, over 0.5 cm, treatment with extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy is necessary. For stones larger than 1.5 cm, surgical intervention is required. Beyond these methods, there are no other treatments, and massage does not have a therapeutic effect.

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Written by Hu Lin
Nephrology
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Causes of Kidney Stones

The causes of kidney stone formation include the following: One reason is the increased amount of stone-forming components in the urine. Various factors that cause an increase in the concentration of salts, uric acid, oxalates, and cystine in the urine can exceed their solubility. This results in the precipitation and crystallization from the urine, which further grows into stones. For example, hyperuricemia can lead to an increased excretion of urinary uric acid, making it easy to form urate stones. Secondly, the reduction in urine substances that inhibit stone formation, including decreases in citrate and magnesium, can promote stone formation. Third, urinary tract obstruction and infection can lead to stone formation. In cases of urinary tract obstruction and poor urine flow, small crystals formed in the urine can easily adhere to the epithelial cells of the urinary tract, becoming the nucleus of the stone. Urinary tract obstruction may also lead to urinary tract infections where bacteria, pus, and damaged, necrotic epithelial cells can also form the core of stones and gradually develop into larger stones. Fourth, diet and hydration play significant roles. Long-term, high intake of high-protein, high-sodium, high-sugar foods can cause increased excretion of urinary calcium and uric acid, while reducing citrate levels, thus promoting stone formation. A decrease in water intake can also cause urine concentration, further promoting stone formation. Fifth, environmental factors and genetic factors are considered to be related to the formation of kidney stones. It is believed that the hardness of water and genetic factors also have certain relationships with kidney stone formation.

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Urology
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What department should I go to for kidney stones?

Kidney stones fall under the category of urological diseases. If one suffers from kidney stones, it is necessary to visit a hospital and register at the urology department. Examinations such as color ultrasound and CT scans are required to precisely determine the stone's location and size, and to check if it is accompanied by spinal infection or other conditions for appropriate treatment. If the stone within the kidney is comparatively small, such as about 5 millimeters, conservative treatment to facilitate stone expulsion is generally adopted. This can be achieved through increased water intake and frequent urination, physical exercise, in conjunction with medications like stone-expelling granules and solutions to promote the expulsion of the stone from the body. If the stone is larger and causes renal accumulation of fluid or even infection, it is necessary to first control the infection before proceeding with surgical intervention.

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Urology
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What are the symptoms of kidney stones?

The symptoms of kidney stones vary depending on the size of the stones and whether they cause obstruction. If the stones are relatively small, they can usually pass smoothly through the ureters and urethra and be expelled from the body without causing any symptoms. When the stones are expelled, small stones can be seen in the urine. If the kidney stones are relatively large but do not cause obstruction in the kidneys or bladder, they generally do not cause any symptoms. Symptoms occur only when larger stones move downward and become lodged in the ureters, causing back pain, nausea, and vomiting. The stones can scratch the walls of the ureters, leading to blood in the urine. When stones get stuck in the urethra, it can cause painful urination discomfort and perineal pain. Since the stones can scratch the inner walls of the urethra, they may also cause blood in the urine.

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Urology
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What should you not eat if you have kidney stones?

Since the main component found in kidney stones is calcium oxalate stones, it is necessary to eat less food high in calcium and oxalates in our diet. Common foods that are high in calcium include soy products such as tofu, soy milk, and dairy products like cow's milk and cheese, which should be consumed in moderation. Additionally, it is advisable to eat fewer foods high in oxalates, such as celery, spinach, strawberries, and chocolate. Moreover, if the stones are uric acid stones, it is important to consume less seafood, animal organs, beer, and other foods high in purines. It is best to drink more water every day and urinate frequently to dilute the urine, which can reduce the formation of stones.

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Written by Wang Jian
Urology
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Is urethral calculus the same as kidney stones?

Urethral calculi and kidney stones are not the same concept. Urethral calculi refer to stones located in the urethra, while kidney stones are stones located within the kidney. The cause of urethral calculi is usually due to stones from the kidney or ureter becoming lodged in the urethra, which clinically often results in symptoms such as frequent urination, urgent urination, and difficulty urinating. Severe cases may lead to urinary retention. If kidney stones are small and smooth, they may not cause any symptoms. However, larger kidney stones can cause localized back pain, and if infected, may also lead to high fever. The treatment methods for kidney stones and urethral calculi are also different. Urethral calculi can generally be removed through surgery or endoscopic methods, while the treatment for kidney stones depends on the size and location of the stones.