Kidney stones may be very painful and difficult to cope with. These are minute hard minerals deposits that are formed in the kidneys and may move within the urinary system subjecting the sufferer to pain; the intensity may be mild, severe, or in between. A very common question among patients who experience problems in the form of kidney stones is whether walking can help expel the stone quickly.
It is a reasonable issue among those who will prefer not to go through an operation/surgery or healthcare treatment. Walking as a way to make an impact sounds like too much of a good thing. However, with the increasing number of patients who are interested in going natural in managing their condition, it would be critical to have insight on how physical motion has something to do with the passing of a kidney stone.
So, in this blog, we will discuss how walking can help pass a kidney stone and in which cases it can really be helpful.
How Do Kidney Stones Pass Naturally?
The natural passage of kidney stones is highly dependent on size, position, and shape of the stone. Small rocks (usually smaller than 5 mm) frequently self-expel with no medical treatment. Nevertheless, stones that are bigger in size can become trapped in the ureter, which is a thin tube that is used to connect the kidneys and the bladder, and therefore, it may cause a lot of pain and even complications.
Once the stones start moving out of the kidney into the bladder they may be able to cause what is called renal colic-this is the sharp rigorous pain felt by the sufferer, and the location at lower back terminating at groin. This is something that is naturally done and the aim, particularly on smaller stones, is to promote this natural flow by non-invasive means involving increased amount of water, ingested medicine and of course, walking.
Does Walking Mean That Kidney Stones Can Pass?
Walking is a mild form of aerobic activity which contributes to a better circulation, aids in digestion and helps to get the other organs moving. When it comes to kidney stones, walking would encourage passage through the urinary tract and this may facilitate passage of the stone more easily to the bladder.
As you walk, the normal movement and a minimal impact of your steps can cause the stone to move downward, at least when a stone is already in the ureter. Walking daily enhances circulation and will possibly help in the process of kidneys and ureters working to quicker move the stone and thus pass it.
Also, gentle exercise such as long walks may assist in relieving discomfort caused by having kidney stones, provided that such exercise does not exacerbate the condition in question. It can also encourage more water consumption- another major element of expelling kidney stones.
So, Is It Better To Walk Or Rest Completely?
Although it is important to take some rest when the pain is overwhelming, being inactive can cause the process of passing a stone to become even slower. Sitting down or lying down a long time can make the stone stay in the same position particularly where it is already on a move in the ureter.
Respectful walking once or twice every day can be used to combine a rest and activity. It also eliminates stiffness, facilitates the flow of blood, and even enables people to cope with the stress brought on by pain in the kidney stones, which is important.
With that said, high impact or strenuous activities such as running, jumping and so forth should not be attempted during an active stone event without a doctor recommending otherwise. Whenever there is any kind of pain and nausea and so on that should be a signal to tread slow.
Tips for Walking When You Have a Kidney Stone
In case you are intending to make walking as one of the possible elements in your kidney stone management package, then here are a few ideas to ponder upon:
- Take it easy: Start with small steps: 10-15 minutes at a time at a comfortable pace and then add to them: 20-30 minutes, etc.
- Drink lots of water: Prior to and after your walking, make sure you drink as much water as you can. Cleaning the urinary system, as well as preventing its stone growth, is achieved with the help of water.
- Wear comfortable shoes: Wearing supportive and cushioned shoes is advisable to prevent the jerking motions.
- Pain triggers: Whenever you experience any heightened sensation of pain or discomfort during the act of walking, you need to quit and relax. Pay attention to your body.
- Use walking supplementary: It is important to remember that the use of walking may not be sufficient in order to achieve the passing of all stones. It must form part of a multimodal treatment plan encompassing medical advice, fluids, and modifications of lifestyle.
Where Walking cannot be Enough!
Although walking will aid the natural movement of the smaller kidney stones, it should be mentioned that does not work in all patients. Medical treatment may be needed in cases of larger stones that are more than 6 mm or stones that are passed in difficult-to-reach places.
In case the symptoms get worse, or if you get some symptoms such as fever, or some urine with blood, some constant pain, or an inability to urinate, visit the doctor without delay. They may require the removal of the stone by medication, shockwave therapy, or minimally invasive procedures in such cases.
Conclusion: Walking can be Good, With the Proper Direction
Walking is also a good idea to add to the mix of things to do when you have a kidney stone, particularly the smaller ones which will often pass without the need to do anything about it. It helps to induce free movement, encourages water consumption and keeps general kidney functions down. Nevertheless, walking cannot substitute the professional medical consultation.
Still having kidney stones or recurring problem of kidney stone, if you are or you live in or near Gurgaon, it is time to see a specialist.
Dr. Deepanshu Gupta: Gurgaon Expert in removal of kidney stones
Having an experience of more than 15 years, Dr. Deepanshu Gupta at CureStone is considered to be one of the most experienced professionals in dealing with kidney stones. With his special interest in treating patients with compassion and his expertise in treatment and perfect methods of surgery, Dr. Gupta comes up with a special plan of treatment. It can be simple management with natural stones or advanced surgical procedures, whenever need arises.
Dr. Gupta is an expert in the field of kidney stone and in finding long term solutions to ensure that it does not occur again, so you get the best and evidence-based care in a safe and comfortable ambiance.
Book your consultation today and make a plan to be stone-free with appropriate help by your side.