Last reviewed by Dr. Leena Joshi, MD, August 2026
Dr. Leena Joshi, MD is a board-certified nephrologist who evaluates and prevents kidney stones for patients in Burlingame, Daly City, and San Mateo County. She finds the reason you form stones (calcium, oxalate, uric acid, or low citrate), treats any kidney disease behind them, and builds a prevention plan so the next stone does not come. New patient appointments are typically available within days at both offices. Call (650) 355-5551.
What is a kidney stone?
A kidney stone (nephrolithiasis) is a hard deposit of minerals and salts that forms inside the kidney. Stones form when urine holds more crystal-forming substances than fluid can dilute. Most are calcium oxalate. Others are uric acid, struvite (linked to infection), or cystine (inherited). Stones can stay in the kidney without symptoms or move into the ureter, where they cause pain and can block urine flow.
What are the symptoms of a kidney stone?
- Sharp pain in the side or back, below the ribs, that comes in waves
- Pain that radiates to the lower abdomen and groin
- Pain or burning with urination, or a frequent urge to urinate in small amounts
- Pink, red, brown, or cloudy urine
- Nausea and vomiting with the pain
- Fever and chills, which can mean infection and need same-day care
How does Dr. Joshi treat and prevent kidney stones?
Dr. Joshi’s role is the part most stone patients never get: finding out why. After the acute stone is managed, often with your urologist, she orders blood tests, a urinalysis, a 24-hour urine collection, and analysis of any stone you passed. The results name the cause. The plan then matches the cause: fluid targets, sodium and animal-protein limits for calcium stones, oxalate guidance, citrate for low-citrate stones, and medication when diet alone is not enough. She also checks whether an underlying kidney condition or metabolic problem is driving the stones and treats it.
When should you see a nephrologist for kidney stones?
- You have had more than one stone
- Your first stone came with kidney disease, diabetes, gout, or another metabolic condition
- Stones run in your family
- Your stones are linked to repeated urinary tract infections
- Your doctor recommends a metabolic evaluation or 24-hour urine test
Related reading: when to see a nephrologist, kidney lab results explained, and chronic kidney disease treatment.
Frequently asked questions
Should I see a nephrologist or a urologist for kidney stones?
A urologist removes stones that will not pass and treats blockages. A nephrologist like Dr. Joshi finds out why you form stones and builds a plan to prevent the next one. Many patients see both: the urologist for the acute stone, Dr. Joshi for prevention and for any kidney disease behind the stones.
How long does it take for a kidney stone to pass?
Small stones under 5 mm often pass within one to two weeks with fluids and pain control. Larger stones may take longer or may not pass on their own. Dr. Joshi will tell you what to expect based on the stone size and location on your imaging.
Do all kidney stones require surgery?
No. Most small stones pass on their own. Surgery or a procedure such as lithotripsy is considered when a stone is too large to pass, blocks urine flow, causes infection, or causes pain that cannot be controlled.
Can kidney stones be prevented?
Often, yes. After a 24-hour urine test and a stone analysis, Dr. Joshi can name the cause (for example high urine calcium, oxalate, or uric acid, or low citrate) and match the fix: fluid targets, diet changes, and in some cases medication.
What tests does Dr. Joshi order for kidney stones?
Blood tests for kidney function, calcium, and uric acid; a urinalysis; a 24-hour urine collection to measure the substances that form stones; and analysis of any stone you have passed. Imaging is reviewed with your urologist or primary care doctor.
Will kidney stones damage my kidneys?
A single passed stone rarely causes lasting harm. Repeated stones, blockages, or infections can. That is why prevention matters, and why Dr. Joshi checks kidney function in every stone patient.
Schedule an appointment
Dr. Leena Joshi, MD is a board-certified nephrologist with offices at 1750 El Camino Real, Suite 301, Burlingame and 1800 Sullivan Ave, Suite 507, Daly City. New patient appointments are typically available within days. A referral from your doctor is required; visits are by appointment only. 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.