Kidney pain (also termed renal or flank pain)
are discomfort (acute or chronic) or aches or sharp pain that occurs in the
back between approximately the lowest rib and the buttock. Depending on the
cause of the pain, it may radiate down the flank to the groin or toward the
abdominal area. Some individuals may develop these symptoms:
Kidney pain itself is a symptom that may
happen due to problems or diseases of the kidney or its associated renal
structures like the ureters or bladder. However, other diseases may mimic
kidney pain but are not due to the kidneys. For example, muscle strains in the
back, spinal problems (fractures, abscesses), shingles, aortic abdominal
aneurysm, and gynecological problems may mimic kidney or flank pain.
Although kidney pain often occurs on one side
of the back, it can occur on both sides at the same time and may radiate toward
the abdomen or groin.
Pain that occurs suddenly is sharp, severe
and may increase and decrease in waves is often due to problems in the renal
ureters (kidney stones). Pain caused by kidney stones is termed renal colic.
Causes
Many of the causes of kidney disease that
leads to kidney pain (also termed flank pain) are due to acquired underlying
diseases that may acutely or chronically affect kidney function. Other diseases
are congenital; individuals may be born with an abnormality that is genetically
determined that affects the kidneys. Kidney pain or flank pain can be acute,
relatively constant and sharp. This is termed "renal colic" by many
clinicians. This kind of pain is usually seen when an acute process like kidney
stones or other underlying causes stop or almost stop urine flow. However,
other processes can cause chronic dull aching with occasionally sharp flank
pain. This type of flank pain can be due to polycystic kidney disease, highblood pressure or diabetes due to cumulative damage to kidney tissue over time
by these problems. Some of the major underlying causes of kidney pain or flank
pain are as follows:
- Urinary tract infections
- Kidney infections
- Kidney stones
- Diabetes
- Glomerulonephritis
- High blood pressure
- Polycystic kidney disease (congenital)
- Congenital malformations in the renal system resulting in complete
or partial blockage of urine flow
- Drugs or toxins that harm kidney tissue (for example, pesticide
exposure or chronic use of medications such as ibuprofen [Advil, Motrin,
and others])
- Drinking alcohol may cause acute or chronic flank pain; the pain
source, depending on the individual, may be from the kidneys or the
liver.
Remedies for Kidney
Pain
1. Water
Whenever you
suffer from any kidney related disorder or pain, water is the foremost thing
that can cure your disease. Water is really essential for your kidneys as it
helps them flush toxins out of your body, effectively. It is highly recommended
that you should consume at least 8-10 glasses of water in a day.
2. Lemon
Juice
Lemon
contains a plethora of citric acid, which is helpful in breaking down of
calcium agglomerates inside kidneys. As you drink lemonade, you will pass urine
more frequently and that is really good in flushing out toxins and also useful
for people having stone in kidneys.
3. Nettle
Leaves
Nettle
leaves are quintessential in making a smooth flow for water through both-
bladder, as well as kidneys. They also promote smooth urination. They keep
bacteria away and hinder crystals inside the body to take the shape of stones.
One, who is suffering from kidney pain, should drink nettle tea at least 2-3
times a day for getting relief from the kidney pain.
4. Whole
Wheat Bread
Whole wheat
breads are rich in nutrients, such as proteins, fibers, magnesium, etc. They
promote wellbeing of the kidneys while preventing the formation of oxalates
inside them. Besides bread, one can also eat whole grain cereals, pasta, etc.
5. Kidney
Beans
Kidney beans
are really efficacious in treating any kidney infection or pain, includingstones, etc. Remove beans from inside the pods and boil pods on low flame for
hours till they become tender and soft. Now, strain the liquid and allow it to
cool down. Now, again strain it once again and drink it several times a day for
beneficial results.
6. Basil
Basil is
regarded as a superb tonic for kidney pain and infections. One, who is
suffering from kidney-related pain or disorders, should consume a tablespoon of
basil juice mixed with equal quantities of honey for effective results. However,
the treatment should be carried for around 5 months to get the desired results.
7. Celery
Celery has
got antiseptic properties and hence, drinking celery juice can be really pain
relieving. Celery juice helps in eliminating out the toxins from the body that
causes the formation of oxalates. Besides, it is also a diuretic, which helps
in breaking down the existing stone in the kidney.
8.
Pomegranates
Pomegranate
juice and seeds can be beneficial in treating the kidney pain and infections. Pomegranates
have astringent properties, and hence, they can be really helpful in the
treatment of kidney stones. Besides, they are extremely hydrating, so one
should consume at least a glass of pomegranate juice every day or should eat
one pomegranate daily to keep kidney-related problems at bay.
9.
Watermelon
Watermelon
is rich in potassium and is useful in removing stones that are composed of
phosphates and carbonates. They also regulate the level of acidity in urine.
Besides, watermelon is one such fruit that contains the highest level of water
concentration and thus, can be really effective in hydrating your body and
flushing out the waste products.
10.
Tomato Juice
Drink a
glass of tomato juice before you consume anything else, followed with a glass
of water. It will help you in getting relief from the pain. You can also chop
tomatoes and wrap them in a thick cotton cloth. Place it on the patient’s back
for relieving him/her from the pain.
11.
Virgin Olive Oil
Olive oil is
yet another effective method that subside pain, related to kidneys. Mix equal
quantities of olive oil (virgin) and lemon juice and drink it up. Although, it
will taste awful but is worth an effort to get the desired results.
12. Warm
Compress
Put a warm
compress on the aching area. It will decrease the kidney pain.
13.
Dandelion Root Tea
If you are
looking for an herbal remedy to get rid of kidney pain, dandelion root tea is
the best. Dandelion root tea acts as a diuretic and cleanses the kidney,
thereby relieving you from the pain.
REMEMBER
Signs that
kidney disease is present and may result in kidney pain or flank pain are the
following:
- Blood or protein in the urine
- More frequent urination, especially at
night and/or difficult or painful urination
- High blood pressure
- Swelling of the hands and feet and/or
puffiness around the eyes
- Testing that shows an abnormal creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) or glomerular filtration rate (GFR) less than 60