Some urinary symptoms hit hard, but don’t always point to a clear cause. Pain in the side, burning urination or odd changes in urine color — these could mean kidney stones, a urinary tract infection (UTI), or something else entirely. When you’re unsure about your health, urgent care can help you find clarity.

At Amory Urgent Care, we can diagnose and treat urinary symptoms without putting you through a long ER wait time. We can help you find out what you’re dealing with and set you on the path to relief.

What are kidney stones?

About 1 in 10 people will form kidney stones in their lifetime, according to the National Kidney Foundation (NKF). They’re tiny mineral deposits — thick concentrations of calcium or uric acid — that can sometimes form inside your kidneys. While some stem from health issues, others appear without an obvious cause.

Some stones are small enough to pass without trouble, but others can get stuck and create notoriously painful blockages. You may recognize kidney stones by their symptoms, which include:

Strong lower back pain
Discomfort radiating out toward your groin
Blood in the urine
Frequent urge to urinate
Nausea or vomiting

What causes kidney stones to form

Kidney stones can form when the fluids, salts and minerals present in your urine become imbalanced. Per the NKF, they’re especially common in people who:

Don’t drink enough water
Eat diets high in sodium or protein
Live with chronic medical conditions like gout or diabetes

And because Amory is in a warm region, dehydration can make kidney stones more common here.

What is a UTI?

A UTI is a bacterial infection affecting the bladder, urethra or upper urinary system; the Urology Care Foundation reports that UTIs are especially common in women, but they affect men too.

Typical symptoms include:

A persistent urge to urinate
Feeling burning or discomfort while urinating
Cloudy or strong-smelling urine
Pelvic pressure or lower abdominal pain
An occasional low fever

While serious, the Cleveland Clinic emphasizes that UTIs often respond well to a course of antibiotics — when they’re caught early.

Kidney stones or a UTI: How can you tell?

These two conditions can overlap in symptoms, making their at-home diagnosis very tricky.

Kidney stone pain is sharp, serious and comes in waves
UTI pain is more burning or aching, often paired with a strong urge to pee
Blood in the urine can occur in both, but UTIs often add cloudiness or odor

Since kidney stone and UTI symptoms can coincide, it’s best to have an urgent care provider assess your condition.

What urgent care can do for a UTI

At Amory Urgent Care, we can run on-site lab testing and begin treatment immediately. We offer:

Dipstick testing for quick screening
Urinalysis to spot infection indicators
Urine culture to identify the exact bacteria

If we confirm a UTI, we’ll prescribe an effective antibiotic to address your symptoms and provide relief. Early treatment can keep the infection from spreading to the kidneys.

What urgent care can do for kidney stones

If a kidney stone is causing your symptoms, we can support you while it passes or determine whether you need a more advanced approach. Our services include:

Imaging or lab work to find the stone
Pain or anti-nausea medications
Hydration guidance and follow-up support
Referral to a urologist if the stone is too large or obstructive

If the stone is small, Mount Sinai suggests many people can pass it with rest, supportive care and plenty of drinking water. Yet if the kidney stone gets stuck or causes complications, we’ll be ready to assist you.

When urgent care is the right choice

Urgent care is often the right place for:

Urinary symptoms that begin suddenly
Pain that’s manageable, without a fever or other severe symptoms
Situations where you need faster treatment than primary care can offer

However, you may need emergency care if you experience:

High fever and chills
Inability to urinate
Heavy bleeding or clotting

If you’re ever unsure, coming to urgent care is far safer than waiting. At Amory Urgent Care, we can evaluate you and redirect you as needed.

Come to Amory Urgent Care

When you know something isn’t right, you shouldn’t be left guessing. Amory Urgent Care provides fast and effective care for kidney stones, UTIs and other urinary concerns. With walk-in visits 7 days a week and lab testing at the ready, you’ll get answers and relief without the wait time.

Come see us today for convenient, compassionate care you can trust.