June 2025 - Kolekar Hospital & ICCU

which doctor to consult for kidney stone

Should I See a Urologist or Nephrologist for Kidney Stones?

June 24, 2025 Kolekar Hospital

Kidney stones are a common yet painful health problem that can affect people of any age. Whether it’s a dull ache in the back, sudden intense pain, or blood in the urine, kidney stones often demand immediate attention. But one of the most frequently asked questions is: Should I see a urologist or nephrologist for kidney stones?

Knowing which specialist to approach can make all the difference in diagnosis, treatment, and recovery. In this blog, we’ll explore the difference between a urologist and a nephrologist, what roles they play in kidney stone management, and how to decide whom to consult based on your condition.

What Are Kidney Stones?

Kidney stones are hard deposits of minerals and salts that form in the kidneys. They can vary in size from as small as a grain of sand to as large as a golf ball—and can be extremely painful when moving through the urinary tract.

Common causes of kidney stones include:

Dehydration
High intake of oxalate rich foods
Excess salt or animal protein
Family history
Certain medications or health conditions

Symptoms of Kidney Stones

Symptoms may vary depending on the size and location of the stone, but commonly include:

Sharp pain in the back or side
Pain during urination
Pink, red, or brown urine
Frequent urge to urinate
Nausea or vomiting
Fever or chills (if there’s an infection)

If you experience any of these, you’ll need to decide: Should I see a urologist or nephrologist for kidney stones? Let’s explore their roles.

Who Is a Urologist?

A urologist is a surgeon who specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases of the urinary tract in both men and women, and the male reproductive system. Urologists are typically involved when surgical intervention or procedures are required.

What a Urologist Does for Kidney Stones:

Conducts imaging tests (e.g., ultrasound, CT scans)
Removes large stones through procedures like:
- Ureteroscopy
- Percutaneous nephrolithotomy
- Shock Wave Lithotripsy (SWL)
Manages blockages or anatomical issues in the urinary tract
Provides long-term treatment to prevent recurrence
Handles emergencies like acute pain or infection

If you need surgical or procedural treatment, a urologist in Mumbai is your go-to specialist.

Who Is a Nephrologist?

A nephrologist is a physician who specialises in internal medicine with a focus on kidney function and diseases. Unlike urologists, they don’t perform surgeries, but they provide comprehensive care for chronic kidney conditions.

What a Nephrologist Does for Kidney Stones:

Identifies metabolic or dietary causes of stone formation
Helps manage recurrent stones or kidney damage
Treats underlying conditions like:
- Chronic kidney disease (CKD)
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
Offers preventive care and long-term dietary guidance

If you have a history of frequent kidney stones or kidney dysfunction, seeing a nephrologist can help prevent future complications.

Should I See a Urologist or Nephrologist for Kidney Stones?

Urologist vs. Nephrologist: A Quick Comparison

Aspect	Urologist	Nephrologist
Role	Surgical and procedural	Medical and diagnostic
Treats	Urinary blockages, large stones, infections	Kidney function, chronic disease, stone cause
Performs Surgery?	Yes	No
Ideal For	Immediate removal or acute symptoms	Prevention and kidney function monitoring
Tools Used	Imaging, endoscopy, lithotripsy	Blood tests, urine analysis, and dietary plans

When to See a Urologist

Severe pain due to kidney stones
Blood in the urine
Large stones that won’t pass on their own
Urinary blockage or infection
Recurrent stones needing surgical removal

In these cases, a urologist in Mumbai will diagnose the issue and take immediate action to remove or manage the stones.

When to See a Nephrologist

Frequent stone formation
History of kidney damage or chronic kidney disease
Need for long-term dietary or metabolic evaluation
Recurrent urinary tract infections linked to stones

Nephrologists are your best choice for understanding the “why” behind the stones and preventing future ones.

Conclusion

Should I see a urologist or nephrologist for kidney stones? The answer largely depends on your symptoms and treatment needs. If you’re dealing with severe pain, blockage, or require surgery, a urologist is your first stop. But if your focus is on preventing recurrence or managing kidney function, a nephrologist may be more suitable.

Should I see a urologist or nephrologist for kidney stones? Ideally, both specialists work together. A urologist handles the immediate concern, while a nephrologist supports long-term kidney health.

Kidney

Is dialysis painful? In-depth guide

June 24, 2025 Kolekar Hospital

These eight repeating questions reflect the common anxiety many face when told they need dialysis. The question “Is dialysis painful?” echoes in the minds of patients and families alike. Let’s explore it together, because understanding what dialysis feels like and how discomfort is managed can ease fears, improve quality of life, and empower informed decisions.

What Is Dialysis?

Dialysis is a life-saving medical technique that mimics kidney function by removing waste, excess fluid, and toxins. The two main types include hemodialysis, which uses a machine and filter outside the body, and peritoneal dialysis, which uses the lining of the abdomen. Though essential, dialysis is not always pain-free. Healthcare providers emphasise that while dialysis isn’t typically painful, some discomfort can occur, and it’s important to recognise when and why.

When Pain or Discomfort Can Occur

Though dialysis generally isn’t painful, some parts of the process may cause discomfort:

1. Needle Insertion in Hemodialysis
During hemodialysis, needles are inserted into the access site (AV fistula, graft, or catheter). Most patients compare it to a mild pinch or sting, similar to a blood draw. Experience shows that this discomfort typically lessens over time as the access site matures.

2. Catheter or Fistula Surgery
Access surgery, whether to insert a catheter or create a fistula, is performed under local anaesthesia. Post-surgery discomfort can last a couple of days, manageable with pain relief such as paracetamol.

3. Muscle Cramps and Hypotension
A common side effect during treatment includes muscle cramps and sudden drops in blood pressure. Up to 54% of patients report cramps, and hypotension often leads to nausea or headache. Adjustments in fluid removal and warm saline can alleviate these issues.

4. Drain or Fill Pain in Peritoneal Dialysis
Some peritoneal dialysis patients experience abdominal discomfort during fluid fill or drain cycles, described as burning, pressure, or even sharp pain. This often resolves with technique adjustments, positioning, or switching to slower drain cycles (like tidal peritoneal dialysis).

5. Access Site Pain During Dialysis
Occasionally, the fistula needle area might feel throbbing or achy during treatment. Generally, this eases quickly, and proper needle placement prevents long-term discomfort.

6. Chronic Pain
Chronic pain, from back pain, joint aches, neuropathy, or bone pain, affects over 50% of patients on long-term hemodialysis. It may impair mobility, sleep, and mood if not managed proactively.

What Patients Say

Patients’ voices often shed light on reality:

It’s not painful, only a little more than a typical blood draw… after that, the process is usually painless.

Overfill pain is the worst pain I’ve ever experienced. …I still had that pain! … it is so bad I just lay there crying.”

Drain and fill pain is unbearable…

These firsthand accounts highlight contrasts: while many find dialysis manageable, some do experience significant discomfort during specific steps or initial learning curves.

Effective Strategies to Reduce Discomfort

There are proven ways to prevent or ease dialysis-associated pain:

Needle Fear and Skin Sensitivity

Use numbing creams (e.g., EMLA) or ice sticks before each session.
Choose experienced technicians for access cannulation.

Preventing Muscle Cramps and Hypotension

Monitor and limit weight gain between sessions.
Adjust the ultrafiltration settings and use warm saline boluses to stabilise blood pressure.

Managing Peritoneal Dialysis Discomfort

Experiment with fill volumes, switching to manual drains or slower tidal cycles.
Ensure regular bowel movements and optimal catheter placement to reduce pressure.

Chronic Pain Management

Use multimodal pain relief: safe analgesics, physical therapy, relaxation, CBT, biofeedback, and music therapy.
Participate in comprehensive pain-coping programs integrated into dialysis care.

Patient Education and Comfort

Educate on what to expect and involve them in decisions about their settings.
Offer environment-enhancements: music, movies, blankets, or distraction tools.

So, Is Dialysis Painful?

Generally speaking, dialysis isn’t meant to be painful. Most discomfort is minor and preventable. The biggest pain moments tend to be during access creation or initial procedures, and even these are short-lived and treatable. Most intradialytic discomfort can be managed through proactive care and patient participation.

Of course, individual experiences vary. For some, especially during peritoneal dialysis or with chronic pain, it can be significantly painful, highlighting the need for personalised care plans.

Why It Matters

Understanding whether dialysis is painful is critical because:

It helps reduce patient anxiety before treatment.
It encourages active communication with healthcare teams.
It promotes adherence to treatment by addressing discomfort head-on.
It opens pathways for non-drug support and holistic pain relief.

Final Thoughts & Expert Care

If you or someone you love is beginning dialysis, trust that modern medical protocols aim for comfort and dignity. Through proper needle techniques, pain relief options, fluid balance management, and chronic-pain strategies, dialysis can be a manageable journey, not a painful burden.

Key takeaway: So, “Is dialysis painful?” Rarely in the long term, discomfort is usually short-lived and manageable. But informed care, communication, and expert medical teams (like those at Kolekar Hospital’s dialysis unit) make all the difference in experience and quality of life.

Knee

Calcium Food for Knee Pain: Ultimate Guide

June 11, 2025 Kolekar Hospital

Knee pain, whether from osteoarthritis, injury, or inflammation, can significantly hinder quality of life. While medical interventions are essential, research consistently shows that diet plays a crucial role in managing knee pain and improving joint health.

Key dietary goals include:

Reducing inflammation through anti-inflammatory foods.
Strengthening bones and cartilage, especially via calcium and vitamin D.
Maintaining a healthy weight to reduce joint stress.
Avoiding inflammation-triggering foods that may exacerbate pain.

This guide explores calcium food for knee pain, identifies foods good and bad for knee pain, and offers an actionable anti-inflammatory diet and lifestyle strategy.

Section 1: The Science Behind Diet & Knee Pain

1.1 Inflammation Is at the Core

Knee pain, especially osteoarthritis, is fueled by chronic low-grade inflammation. arthritis.org western-ortho.com. Diets high in sugar, saturated fat, trans fat, and refined carbs promote inflammation, while whole, nutrient-rich foods help control it.

1.2 Calcium and Vitamin D: Strengthening the Framework

Calcium makes up ~60% of bone mass and is vital for strong knees. Vitamin D enhances calcium absorption, especially from dairy and leafy greens, and supports immune balance, reducing inflammation risk

1.3 Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Short-Circuiting Pain Signals

Long-chain omega-3s (EPA and DHA), found in oily fish, are proven to reduce joint pain and improve function in osteoarthritis patients pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.

Section 2: Calcium Foods That Help Knee Pain

Focusing on calcium food for knee pain isn’t optional; it’s foundational. Here are the best sources:

2.1 Dairy & Fortified Alternatives

Low-fat milk, cheese, yoghurt: Packed with calcium (approx. 300 mg per cup of milk), vitamin D, protein, and vitamin B12.
Fortified plant milks: Almond, soy, and oat milks offer similar calcium (350–400 mg per cup), and calcium-fortified tofu provides ~430 mg per 4 oz.

2.2 Leafy Greens & Calcium-Rich Veggies

Kale, collard greens, broccoli, Brussels sprouts deliver calcium, vitamin K, magnesium, and fibre, all critical for bone density and inflammation control.

2.3 Nuts, Seeds & Legumes

Almonds (234 mg Ca/100g), white beans (190 mg Ca per cup), chia/flax seeds, and tofu with calcium boost intake.
These are also rich in magnesium, phosphorus, and protein, supporting bone metabolism.

2.4 Fish with Edible Bones

Canned salmon and sardines contain soft bones rich in calcium, up to 180 mg in a 3-oz serving. health.harvard.edu+1mayoclinic.org+1.
Plus, they supply vitamin D and omega-3s, the joint health trifecta.

2.5 Fruits & Vegetables with Supportive Nutrients

Figs (each contains ~32 mg Ca) and oranges provide calcium, vitamin C (collagen growth), and antioxidants.

Section 3: Anti-Inflammatory Power Foods for Knee Pain

Calcium is vital, but you also need foods to fight inflammation and invigorate joint tissues.

3.1 Fatty Fish (Omega-3s + Vitamin D)

Salmon, mackerel, sardines, herring, and anchovies deliver EPA/DHA, key to reducing inflammatory cytokines and enhancing pain relief.

3.2 Extra-Virgin Olive Oil

EVOO provides oleocanthal, an anti-inflammatory compound that mimics ibuprofen’s effects, arthritis.org.au.

3.3 Fruits & Berries

Blueberries, cherries, and strawberries are high in anthocyanins and vitamin C, reducing inflammation and supporting collagen.

3.4 Herbs & Spices

Turmeric (curcumin) and ginger have strong anti-inflammatory effects supported by clinical trials.
Garlic, oregano, green tea, and matcha also reduce swelling and oxidative stress.

3.5 Nuts & Seeds

Walnuts, almonds and flax/chia seeds provide ALA, calcium, magnesium, and phytochemicals—protecting joint tissues.

3.6 Legumes, Bone Broth & Dark Chocolate

Beans and lentils supply protein, fibre and anthocyanins—supporting skeletal connective tissues.
Bone broth provides collagen, glucosamine, chondroitin, and calcium for joint repair.
Dark chocolate (70% cocoa) offers antioxidants; enjoy moderately for inflammation reduction.

Section 4: Foods to Avoid for Knee Pain

Knowing which foods are not good for knee pain is as important as choosing the right ones.

4.1 Added Sugars & Refined Carbohydrates

Sodas, sweets, white bread, and pastries spike inflammatory markers and exacerbate pain

4.2 Ultra‑Processed & Fried Foods

Fast foods, packaged snacks and fried items contain trans fats, excess salt, sugar, additives, and chemicals that worsen joint health

4.3 Red & Processed Meats

High in saturated fat and inflammatory compounds, linked to worse arthritis outcomes

4.4 Excess Salt, MSG & Omega-6 Oils

Sodium causes swelling; MSG triggers inflammation. Corn, sunflower oils (omega-6) imbalance, and inflammatory harmony.

4.5 Full‑Fat Dairy Overload & Gluten

Saturated fats in full-fat dairy can worsen inflammation; gluten or casein sensitivity may aggravate joints.

4.6 Alcohol

Alcohol increases inflammation, can interfere with medications and triggers arthritis flare-ups.

Section 5: Sample 7‑Day Anti‑Inflammatory & Calcium-Rich Meal Plan

A practical diet for knee pain includes tasty, joint-friendly meals. Here’s a 7-day plan:

Day	Breakfast	Lunch	Snack	Dinner
Mon	A handful of walnuts	Spinach/kale salad + canned salmon + avocado	Fortified oatmeal with figs, almonds, berries, and chia	Stir-fry tofu + broccoli + olive oil + brown rice
Tue	Scrambled eggs with kale & tomatoes + whole-grain toast	Lentil soup + fortified plant milk	Orange + almonds	Grilled mackerel + quinoa + Brussels sprouts
Wed	Smoothie: yogurt, spinach, banana, flaxseed	Chickpea & quinoa bowl with olive oil	Apple + peanut butter	Bone broth-based vegetable soup + whole-grain bread
Thu	Fortified cereal + fortified milk + dried figs	Turkey & avocado wrap + leafy salad	Berries + dark chocolate square	Baked sardines + sweet potato mash + green beans
Fri	Almond milk chia pudding with figs + honey	Salmon salad on whole‑grain	Carrots + hummus	Veggie stir-fry + tofu + brown rice
Sat	Yoghurt parfait with berries, granola, and flax	Spinach & egg tortilla + side salad	Yoghurt parfait with berries, granola, flax	Grilled chicken breast + kale + olive oil-dressed quinoa
Sun	Omelette (spinach, mushroom, pepper) + whole‑grain toast	White bean & vegetable stew	Green tea + dark chocolate	Baked trout + roasted Brussels sprouts + fortified plant milk

Tips:

Include daily calcium intake of ~1,000–1,300 mg via dairy, plant milks, greens, fish, and nuts.
Add omega-3s (fish or chia/flax).
Use turmeric + black pepper, garlic, and ginger in cooking.
Use extra-virgin olive oil instead of processed oils.

Section 6: Lifestyle Measures to Boost Knee Health

6.1 Maintain a Healthy Weight

Excess body weight overloads the knee joints. Weight loss reduces pain significantly, especially when combined with anti-inflammatories.

6.2 Exercise Safely

Low-impact exercises like walking, swimming, cycling, and tai chi strengthen muscles without stressing joints.
Resistance training with proper form builds supportive muscle and preserves cartilage.

6.3 Mind Your Posture & Joint Mechanics

Good posture and gait, plus supportive footwear, help redistribute load and protect knee structures.

6.4 Supplements (With Caution)

Vitamin D3: For those low in sun exposure.
Omega-3 supplements: Beneficial if fish intake is low; evidence supports pain reduction.
Glucosamine and chondroitin: Mixed research; may help some individuals.

6.5 Stress, Sleep & Recovery

Chronic stress and poor sleep elevate inflammatory markers. Manage stress and get 7–9 hours of quality sleep to support healing.

6.6 Heat/Cold Therapy & Support

Use cold packs during inflammation, and heat packs for stiffness, alongside compression or supportive braces as needed.

Section 8: Takeaways & Final Thoughts

Include these calcium foods for knee pain: dairy/fortified alternatives, leafy greens, nuts, seeds, legumes, canned fish, figs, and fortified milk.
Add anti-inflammatory foods: fatty fish, olive oil, berries, turmeric, ginger, garlic, beans, and bone broth.
Avoid these foods: added sugars, refined carbs, ultra‑processed fried foods, red/processed meats, excess salt, MSG, high omega‑6 oils, alcohol, full-fat dairy (in excess), gluten (if sensitive).
Combine with healthy habits: weight control, gentle exercise, stress and sleep management, and possibly supplements.

Conclusion

A strategic, nutrient-dense diet for knee pain, optimised for calcium food for knee pain, anti-inflammatory impact, and joint repair, can significantly reduce knee pain, improve mobility, and support long-term joint health.