):  They are made up of hard crystal deposits comprised of minerals and salts that form inside your kidney tubules that grow over time. There are four main types of kidney stones, calcium, struvite, uric acid, and cystine stones. Knowing the type of kidney stone, you have helps determine its cause and assist with reducing your risk of recurring stones and formulate a treatment regime. The stones are formed due to a decrease in urine volume or excess of stone forming substances in the urine. Kidney stones can affect any part of your urinary tract from your kidneys to your bladder.

Passing kidney stones can be extremely painful, but usually cause no lasting damage if diagnosed early. Pain caused by kidney stones may vary in intensity as the stone moves through your urinary tract. Complications occur when stones become lodged in the urinary tract or are associated with a urinary infection. In these instances, urological surgery may be required.