Still Feeling Kidney Pain After Infection? Get Answers & Help Now

Hello,

Thank you for reaching out to Dr. Galen. Here is the response to your query:

It’s not unusual to experience some persistent flank pain and tenderness after a kidney infection, as recovery can take time. Following treatment, lingering discomfort in the area is often normal. Even with clear imaging and tests, some inflammation can remain in the kidneys, which may cause tenderness or mild pain. Generally, people start to feel improvement within days of starting antibiotics, and full recovery is expected within two weeks. However, recovery may take longer for certain individuals, especially those with other health concerns. Since your recent urine culture and tomography tests showed normal results, this is a reassuring sign of no further infection or complications. Still, if you notice an increase in pain or develop symptoms like fever, chills, or changes in urination, it’s a good idea to contact your healthcare provider for additional evaluation. They may consider further testing or referrals to address ongoing symptoms, if needed.

For now, you might consider over-the-counter pain relief like paracetamol to manage discomfort, although NSAIDs should only be used if advised, as they can sometimes impact kidney health. Staying hydrated is also important to support kidney function and reduce inflammation. Maintaining communication with your healthcare provider can also help ensure a smooth recovery. They may recommend follow-up appointments to check your progress and address any questions. If symptoms continue, seeking medical guidance is the best approach.

Thanks