Kidney Stones Vs. Gout

Kidney stones form when minerals normally diluted in your urine begin to crystallize within your kidneys. Gout is a version of arthritis that usually affects your big toe joint, ankles or wrists.

Causes

• Kidney stones can form due to other health conditions such as gout and inflammatory bowel disease. Gout occurs when your body doesn't rid itself of uric acid, and it accumulates as crystals around your joints.

Symptoms

• There are no symptoms of a stone while it's still in the kidney, but once it begins its journey through the ureter to the bladder, typical symptoms include back and side pain that increases in intensity, cloudy or bloody urine and nausea. Gout symptoms include severe joint pain accompanied by inflammation and redness.

Diagnosis

• Imaging tests such as CT scans and ultrasound are helpful in diagnosing kidney stones. Gout can be confirmed using joint fluid and blood tests.

Treatment

• Most kidney stones pass through the urinary tract with no treatment, but larger ones may need to be broken apart with shock wave treatment or surgery. Medications are usually prescribed for gout, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and colchicine.

Complications

• The biggest concern regarding kidney stones is size. If a stone becomes too large, it could block the flow of urine or damage the kidney. Left untreated, gout can lead to kidney stones and recurrent gout.