chronic pain in my right kidney for many years with no stones

Here's a study that focuses on possibilities and commonly reported symptoms, *without implying a diagnosis.*

Chronic kidney-area pain without stones can have several possible causes, and polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is one condition that is sometimes considered—especially when there is a family history.

Possible causes of chronic kidney pain when no stones are found include:

✓Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) – cyst growth can stretch the kidney capsule or press on surrounding tissues.

✓Recurrent or chronic kidney infections.

✓Renal cysts that are not yet large or numerous enough to be obvious

✓Ureteral or structural abnormalities

✓Musculoskeletal pain (which can feel like kidney pain.

✓Nerve-related pain from the spine or surrounding nerves

✓Renal blood flow issues (less common)

Common symptoms reported by people with polycystic kidney disease (PKD) include:

✓Persistent or intermittent dull pain in the back, side, or flank

Abdominal fullness or pressure
High blood pressure (often an early sign)

✓Blood in the urine
✓Frequent urinary tract infections
✓Kidney infections
✓Gradual decline in kidney function over time

In some cases, no symptoms at all early on:

Because PKD is a genetic condition, having a family history increases suspicion, but imaging (such as ultrasound, CT, or MRI) and sometimes genetic testing are typically required to evaluate it.
Pain alone does not confirm PKD, but long-standing flank pain with a family history is generally considered a reasonable reason to discuss further evaluation with a nephrologist or urologist.

Here are some trusted sources kidney/flank pain:

General PKD Information & Symptoms:

https://www.kidney.org/kidney-topics/polycystic-kidney-disease �
National Kidney Foundation
Mayo Clinic — PKD Symptoms & Causes:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/polycystic-kidney-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20352820 �
Mayo Clinic

Cleveland Clinic — Polycystic Kidney Disease Guide:
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/5791-polycystic-kidney-disease
Cleveland Clinic

https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/kidney-disease/polycystic-kidney-disease/what-is-pkd �

NIDDK
Additional Background
MedlinePlus Genetics — PKD Overview:
https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/condition/polycystic-kidney-disease/ (Genetic basis and common symptoms) �

*This information is provided for general educational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis.