How can left flank pain be prevented?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Flank pain—discomfort felt in the side of your body between the ribs and hip—is often linked to the kidneys. Common kidney-related causes include kidney stones, urinary tract infections, and kidney inflammation.

To support kidney health and help ease flank pain, focus on these key steps:

Stay well hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day
Eat a balanced diet low in sodium and rich in fruits and vegetables
Manage underlying conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes

Because flank pain can stem from many causes—some minor, others requiring prompt medical attention—it's important to identify what's driving your symptoms before deciding on next steps. A free, instant, online symptom check can help you quickly narrow down possible causes based on your specific symptoms and guide you toward the right level of care. It takes just a few minutes and could save you hours of uncertainty.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/15/2026

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Explanation

Left flank can have many causes but pain or discomfort in the area is commonly related to the kidney. Because of that, taking care of your kidneys and overall health may help prevent left flank pain.

A key preventive measure is drinking plenty of water daily. Good hydration helps flush out waste products and prevents mineral buildup that can lead to kidney stones—a common cause of flank pain.

A balanced diet low in salt and rich in fruits and vegetables supports kidney health. Regular exercise and a healthy weight can reduce your risk of conditions that stress the kidneys. If you have a history of kidney problems or other health conditions, work closely with your doctor to manage them effectively.

Keep in mind that while flank pain can have causes unrelated to the kidneys, maintaining good overall health is beneficial regardless of the underlying cause. If you're experiencing persistent flank pain and want to better understand what might be causing it, try our free AI symptom checker to help identify potential conditions and determine when to seek medical care.

(References)

Bueschen AJ. Flank Pain. In: Walker HK, Hall WD, Hurst JW, editors. Clinical Methods: The History, Physical, and Laboratory Examinations. 3rd edition. Boston: Butterworths; 1990. Chapter 182.
Dewar MJ, Chin JL. Chronic renal pain: An approach to investigation and management. Can Urol Assoc J. 2018 Jun;12(6 Suppl 3):S167-S170. doi: 10.5489/cuaj.5327. PMID: 29875044; PMCID: PMC6040625.
Feit L, John D, Delgado Torres N, Sinert R. Flank pain and hematuria is not always a kidney stone. Am J Emerg Med. 2021 Feb;40:225.e1-225.e2. doi: 10.1016/j.ajem.2020.07.046. Epub 2020 Jul 24. PMID: 32958382.

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