Published on: 4/7/2025
What are the potential causes of right flank pain?
Right flank pain can be due to several causes including kidney stones, kidney infections, or muscle strains.
Explanation
Common causes of right flank pain include:
- Kidney stones (renal calculi) - hard mineral deposits that cause severe, sharp pain
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs) - especially if they spread to the kidneys
- Muscle strain or injury - from physical activity or improper lifting
- Shingles - a viral infection causing painful skin rash
- Gallbladder problems - including gallstones or inflammation
Keep track of any other symptoms like changes in your urine, fever, or nausea. If the pain is severe or does not go away, you should talk with a doctor.
(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.
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.
Patti L, Leslie SW. Acute Renal Colic. [Updated 2024 Dec 23]. In: StatPearls [Internet].
Tell your friends about us.
We would love to help them too.
For First Time Users
What is Ubie’s Doctor’s Note?
We provide a database of explanations from real doctors on a range of medical topics. Get started by exploring our library of questions and topics you want to learn more about.
Learn more about symptoms
Was this page helpful?
Purpose and positioning of servicesUbie Doctor's Note is a service for informational purposes. The provision of information by physicians, medical professionals, etc. is not a medical treatment. If medical treatment is required, please consult your doctor or medical institution. We strive to provide reliable and accurate information, but we do not guarantee the completeness of the content. If you find any errors in the information, please contact us.