Gout stones: what they are and what to do

Gout affects joints, while urate stones affect the kidneys or urinary tract. Both involve urate chemistry, but a person can have one without the other. A stone may cause sharp pain in the side or back, pain while passing urine, blood in the urine, nausea, or an urgent need to urinate. Some stones cause few symptoms until they move.

Kidney function, fluid intake, medicines, and other health conditions can influence stone risk. A urine test, blood tests, and imaging may help a clinician identify the cause of pain and choose treatment. Do not assume every back or abdominal pain is a gout stone.

Arrange medical assessment if you suspect a stone, particularly if you have gout or kidney problems. Use prescribed gout treatment as instructed and ask before changing it. Drink fluids according to your clinician's advice; people with some heart or kidney conditions may need a specific limit. Keep any passed stone if a clinician asks for analysis. Learn more about [Gout](/conditions/gout/) and [Chronic Kidney Disease](/conditions/chronic-kidney-disease/).

Seek urgent care for severe side or back pain, fever or chills with urinary symptoms, repeated vomiting, inability to pass urine, or visible blood in the urine with worsening pain. Infection behind a blockage can become serious. Prompt review is also sensible when pain is new, persistent, or accompanied by reduced urine output.

Ask whether your symptoms fit a stone, which tests are needed, whether your gout treatment protects against future urate deposits, and how much fluid is appropriate for your kidney health.