Hi,
Kidney stones usually do not cause any pain in thigh. Please find out from your treating physician, the exact cause of your pain. Taking steroid injections without a proper diagnosis can be harmful.
Since you are passing more urine, you should check your blood sugar level to rule out diabetes. Please check if your doctor has prescribed any diuretic (drug to increase urine production) for your kidney stone. This can also make you pass a lot of urine and have dry mouth.
The treatment of kidney stone depends on its size and your symptoms (like
flank pain). Small stones less than 5 mm can be managed using medical therapy. Little larger stones can be managed by
lithotripsy (breaking stone using shock waves) or flexible ureteroscopy (going inside the kidney through urine passage and breaking using laser). Stones larger than 1.5 to 2 cm are usually managed by removing them through a hole in the back (
percutaneous nephrolithotomy, PCNL). Open surgeries for stones are obsolete now.
General precautions for stones:
1. Drink lot of fluids (keep urine clolorless & urine volume per 24 hr > 1.5 to 2 liters)
2. Reduce salt intake
3. Reduce intake of animal proteins
These three things are universal for any kidney stone.
If you are taking
calcium supplements for bone health, try taking
calcium citrate preparation since citrate prevent stone formation. Take calcium supplements along with meals and not in empty stomach. Milk and milk containing products must also be taken along with meals to prevent excessive calcium absorption which can promote stones. However, regular milk/calcium supplement is required.
Other things you should follow are:
- Increase fruit intake (except grapes)
- Decrease coffee, tea, soft drinks, nuts and chocolate
Potassium
Magnesium citrate is available as tablets/syrup - this can reduce the size of stone or prevent stone formation in the long run. If you are arecurrent stone former, your
Urologist will order urine test to check for abnormal levels of various salts which can promote or inhibit stone formation. Specific therapy can then be started accordingly.
I am available for any more clarifications you need.
Wish you good health.
Dr. Raguram.