[58M] Experiencing left flank pain

Patient Description

A 58-year-old male reports a constant dull ache in the left flank that has been present for one day. The pain is mild, with an intensity of 3 out of 10, and does not change with movement. Relief from pain is achieved with Motrin. The patient has no other accompanying symptoms such as fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, or changes in urination. He has a medical history of type 2 diabetes and hypertension, diagnosed in the year 2000. Current medications include Ozempic (2mg weekly), Farxiga (10mg daily), Metformin XR (2g daily), Edarbi (40mg daily), and Crestor (5mg daily), with no reported side effects or allergies to medications. There have been no recent changes to his medication regimen.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, here are a few possibilities:

  • Kidney Stones: These are hard deposits made of minerals and salts that form inside your kidneys. They can cause severe pain when they move through the urinary tract. However, you mentioned that your pain is constant and dull, which is not typical for kidney stones. Usually, the pain from kidney stones is sharp and severe.

    • Treatment for kidney stones usually involves drinking lots of fluids to help pass the stone, and taking over-the-counter pain relievers. In some cases, medical procedures may be needed to remove or break up larger stones.
  • Musculoskeletal Pain: This is pain that affects the muscles, ligaments and tendons, and bones. The pain can be localized in one area, or widespread. It could be that you've strained a muscle in your flank area.

    • Treatment for musculoskeletal pain usually involves rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain relievers. Physical therapy may also be helpful.
  • Kidney Infection: This is an infection in one or both of your kidneys. It can cause pain in your flank area, along with other symptoms like fever and changes in urination. However, you mentioned that you don't have any other symptoms.

    • Treatment for a kidney infection usually involves antibiotics.

What you can do

  1. Continue to monitor your symptoms. If your pain gets worse, or if you develop any new symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.
  2. Stay hydrated. This can help prevent kidney stones and kidney infections.
  3. Try to rest and avoid any strenuous activities that could aggravate your pain.
  4. Continue taking your prescribed medications as directed by your doctor.

What you should look out for

  • If your pain becomes severe or sharp
  • If you notice blood in your urine
  • If you develop a fever or chills
  • If you start to feel nauseous or vomit

Remember, I'm an AI and not a doctor. It's important that you seek medical attention if your symptoms persist or worsen.

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11 mo ago

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People Also Ask


What are the common causes of flank pain?

Common causes of flank pain include kidney stones, musculoskeletal issues, kidney infections, and sometimes gastrointestinal problems. It's important to consider other symptoms and consult a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis.


How can I differentiate between musculoskeletal pain and kidney-related pain?

Musculoskeletal pain is often related to movement and may improve with rest, while kidney-related pain can be more constant and may be accompanied by other symptoms like changes in urination or fever. A healthcare provider can help differentiate between the two based on a thorough examination and possibly imaging tests.


What are the symptoms of kidney stones?

Symptoms of kidney stones include severe, sharp pain in the back or side, pain that radiates to the lower abdomen and groin, blood in the urine, nausea, vomiting, and frequent urination. The pain may come in waves and vary in intensity.


How does type 2 diabetes affect kidney health?

Type 2 diabetes can affect kidney health by causing damage to the blood vessels in the kidneys, leading to diabetic nephropathy. This can result in decreased kidney function over time. Managing blood sugar levels and blood pressure is crucial to protect kidney health in individuals with diabetes.


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