Kidney Stone Treatment in Burlingame, Daly City, and San Mateo County | Dr. Leena Joshi, MD
Last reviewed by Dr. Leena Joshi, MD on June 2026
Kidney stones are hard mineral deposits that form inside the kidneys and can cause severe pain when passing through the urinary tract. Dr. Leena Joshi, a board-certified kidney stone specialist in San Mateo County, provides comprehensive evaluation, medical management, and prevention strategies for patients with kidney stones. Dr. Joshi develops personalized treatment plans that may include dietary modifications, medications to prevent recurrence, and coordination with urologists when procedural intervention is needed.
What is a kidney stone?
A kidney stone is a solid piece of material that forms when minerals and salts in the urine stick together and crystallize. These stones can be as small as a grain of sand or as large as a golf ball. Kidney stones develop when the urine contains more crystal-forming substances, such as calcium, oxalate, and uric acid, than the fluid in the urine can dilute. When stones are small, they may pass through the urinary system without causing symptoms. Larger stones can get stuck in the ureter, the tube that carries urine from the kidney to the bladder, causing intense pain. Dr. Joshi helps patients in Burlingame, Daly City, and San Mateo County understand the type of stone they have and what caused it to form, which is essential for preventing future stones.
Signs and symptoms
- Severe pain in the side, back, or below the ribs that may come in waves
- Pain that radiates to the lower abdomen and groin
- Painful urination or burning sensation when urinating
- Pink, red, or brown urine indicating blood
- Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
- Nausea and vomiting
- Frequent urge to urinate or urinating small amounts
How Dr. Joshi manages kidney stones
Dr. Joshi begins with a thorough evaluation that may include urine tests, blood work, and imaging studies to determine the size, location, and type of kidney stone. For patients experiencing an acute stone episode, Dr. Joshi provides guidance on pain management and hydration strategies that may help the stone pass naturally. Dr. Joshi works closely with urologists when stones require procedural removal. A key focus of Dr. Joshi’s approach is prevention. After analyzing the stone composition and metabolic factors, Dr. Joshi creates individualized prevention plans that may include specific dietary recommendations, increased fluid intake targets, and medications to reduce stone formation risk. Dr. Joshi monitors patients over time with follow-up testing to ensure prevention strategies are working. As a kidney stone specialist in San Mateo County, Dr. Joshi emphasizes that understanding the underlying cause of stone formation is critical to preventing recurrence, as many patients who have one kidney stone will develop another without proper preventive care.
When to see a nephrologist for kidney stones
- Recurrent kidney stones or a history of multiple stone episodes
- Stones associated with kidney function decline
- Complex metabolic conditions that increase stone risk
- Family history of kidney stones
- Stones that form despite previous preventive measures
- Need for long-term prevention planning and monitoring
Frequently asked questions
What causes kidney stones to form?
Kidney stones form when urine contains high levels of certain minerals and salts, combined with insufficient fluid to dilute them. Factors may include diet, dehydration, obesity, certain medical conditions, and family history. Dr. Joshi performs testing to identify your specific risk factors.
Can kidney stones be prevented?
Yes, many kidney stones can be prevented. Dr. Joshi develops personalized prevention plans based on stone type and metabolic testing. Strategies may include drinking more water, dietary changes, and medications. Prevention is tailored to each patient’s specific stone chemistry and risk factors.
How long does it take for a kidney stone to pass?
Small stones may pass within one to two weeks with adequate hydration and pain management. Larger stones may take longer or require medical intervention. Dr. Joshi can help determine whether a stone is likely to pass on its own based on its size and location.
What types of kidney stones are there?
The most common types include calcium oxalate stones, calcium phosphate stones, uric acid stones, struvite stones, and cystine stones. Dr. Joshi analyzes stone composition to determine the specific type, which guides prevention strategies and treatment recommendations for each patient.
Do I need surgery for kidney stones?
Not all kidney stones require surgery. Dr. Joshi evaluates each case individually. Small stones often pass naturally. Larger stones or those causing complications may require urological procedures. Dr. Joshi coordinates care with urologists when procedural intervention is needed for stone removal.
How much water should I drink to prevent kidney stones?
Dr. Joshi typically recommends drinking enough fluid to produce at least two liters of urine daily. This often means consuming 10 to 12 cups of fluid per day. Your physician will determine the right amount based on your individual needs and stone type.
Dr. Leena Joshi, MD sees patients at two convenient locations: 1750 El Camino Real Suite 301 in Burlingame and 1800 Sullivan Ave Suite 507 in Daly City. To schedule a consultation for kidney stone evaluation and prevention, call (650) 355-5551.
This page is for general education and is not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult your physician about your specific situation.
Medically reviewed by Leena Joshi, MD.