Characteristics of Renal Colic

Renal colic is typically caused by kidney stones or ureteral stones, with the pain resulting from smooth muscle spasm of the ureter. This pain is severe and sharp—often described as “knife-like”—causing patients to toss and turn restlessly, draw up their legs and press on their abdomen, and moan continuously. The pain may radiate to the inguinal region and near the testicles. Patients may also experience profuse sweating, nausea, vomiting, and pallor. The duration of renal colic episodes varies—some are brief, others prolonged—and following an episode, patients often feel exhausted.