Some patients with kidney stones have symptoms that recur every other day, or every few days. According to the Department of Endourology, Laparoscopy and Stone Disease at the Stony Brook Hospital in Stony New York, a person who develops a kidney stone has a 50 percent chance of getting another stone within five to 10 years. Some patients have short-term, acute episodes, while others develop a chronic condition where symptoms recur every other day or otherwise more frequently. Chronic conditions require treatment that prevents recurring stone formation and relieve the symptoms that cause prolonged affliction.
Flank Pain
Flank pain is symptom that suggests various problems that could occur with the kidneys, and it is a typical symptom experienced when a kidney stone develops. The outer tissue covering the kidney, called the renal capsule, stretches from inflammation or rapid swelling. Flank pain feels like abdominal cramping and muscle aches in the right or left side, between the abdomen and the lower back.
Muscle and Joint Pain
Muscles aches and septic pain may occur as the infection enters the bloodstream, affecting other organs and body systems. Septic pain is the pain felt in the joints, where Inflammation occurs. The limbs affected by the inflamed joint may have limited mobility and muscle soreness. Additionally, experiencing lower rib pain is possible, as inflamed tissue in the abdominal region can push up against the rib cages.
Urinary Incontinence
Urinary leakage can occur with a kidney stone infection. Some urinary incontinence may be permanent, particularly for patients with recurrent episodes or chronic conditions. For acute conditions, urine leakage may come about spontaneously or sporadically, and symptoms subside after the infection clears up. Small amounts of leakage may occur shortly after urinating. Patients may feel that the bladder is empty after urinating, but kidney stones or the inflammation caused by the infection can block some of the urinary flow. Any blocked or stalled urine flow eventually bypasses the stone, causing small amounts of urine leakage.
Urinary Urgency
A kidney stone infection may cause painful urination and the frequent urge to urinate. Sometimes, the color of urine may appear dark yellow, orange, pink or red. Painful urination includes burning, tingling or irritation while urinating, and pain may remain after urinating. The frequent urge to urinate stems from the spasms occurring in the urinary muscles, and often the first and last symptom that subsides after successful treatment for a kidney stone infection.
