What causes Kidney Stones?

Kidney stones are a common and painful condition that can affect people of all ages. The lifetime risk of kidney stones is about 20% in men and 10% in women. It is first likely to occur after age 30, but it can occur earlier. There are several reasons behind kidney stone formation. Kidney stones are hard deposits made of minerals and salts that form inside your kidneys. They can affect any part of the urinary tract, from your kidneys to your bladder. Passing kidney stones can be extremely painful, but with the right treatment, they usually do not cause permanent damage.

What are the different kinds of Kidney Stones?

Kidney stones are crystalline structures that form from dissolved minerals in the urine. They can be particularly painful when they drop from the kidney into the ureter (the ‘downpipe’ connecting the kidney to the bladder). Kidney stones can be extremely painful, but with proper treatment, they usually do not cause permanent damage. There are several types of kidney stones, each with different causes and characteristics.