A contraindication (from the Latin word contra, ‘against’, and indicare, ‘to point out’) is a circumstance that absolutely forbids the use of a diagnostic or therapeutic method for the given indication or allows it only after carefully weighing the risks it involves.

An absolute contraindication forbids the measure entirely. The patient is not allowed to use kybun because of a medical condition. An absolute contraindication often becomes a relative contraindication later on or is rescinded entirely.

A relative contraindication is a reason not to use the measure, but allows it if it is helpful in a concrete, isolated instance – the advantage is tangible/obvious, and any possible initial reactions are negligible. Patients should decide for themselves whether kybun brings relief or whether the training is (still) too intense.

Absolute contraindications:

• Acute injury: When a doctor has ordered that strain on a joint be relieved (crutches). When increased pain in the area of the injury occurs when kybun equipment is used. In these cases, therapy/training with the kybun shoe/kybun mat is still too intense for the body.
• Physician’s prohibition: When a physician forbids the use of the kybun shoe/kybu mat on the basis of the patient’s medical background. This is usually the case when the patient has to rest the foot or another joint so that the injury can heal.

Relative contraindications:

• Acute inflammation: If a joint, tendon or muscle is acutely inflamed, kybun training may temporarily be too intense. In such a case, it is sensible to choose the dosage carefully or even take a break (3–14 days) from kybun until the acute inflammation has disappeared. In this case, less is more!
• Neurological disorders: If a disorder is already advanced and there is severe neurological or sensorimotor impairment. It is important that affected individuals test kybun at their leisure, and get a feel for how it affects them and whether it challenges the body in a positive way or overtaxes it. More information can be found under ‘Neurological disorders’.
• Acutely inflamed front-foot injury (such as hallux valgus/hallux rigidus): In these cases, it is usually helpful to adjust the dosage so that the joint is not mobilised too much (especially at first). More information can be found under ‘Front-foot pain’ and ‘Big toe osteoarthritis’.
• Morton’s neuroma: As above: Adjusting the dosage or using an insole for the front of the foot that better supports the transverse arch and avoids hyperextension usually helps. More information can be found under ‘Metatarsalgia’.
• Dizziness: If dizziness is severe, there is a higher risk of falling in the kybun shoe. Take your time when testing the equipment! Try the kybun mat as well – you can choose from a variety of thicknesses – and, if necessary, hold on to a fixed object. More information can be found under ‘Dizziness’.

The opinions of physicians and other healthcare professionals should not be generalised. A doctor’s opinion is greatly influenced by their field of specialisation, training, professional experience and personal preferences.
You can read more physicians’ opinions on our website:
http://www.kybun.ch/meinungen/select/aerzte.html

Because we do not know the detailed medical history of our customers, we cannot always entirely explain the objections of a physician or therapist.

However, we can fundamentally say that we continue to have very positive experiences with the kybun shoe and kybun mat for various symptoms such as osteoarthritis (Hallux valgus, knee osteoarthritis ...), foot malpositions (club foot, splayfoot ...) and heel spurs .
More information about health can be found on our website: http://www.kybun.ch/ratgeber/gesundheit.html

We encourage everyone to test the kybun shoe/kybun mat in a specialised kybun shop and experience the effects of kybun first-hand. Seek advice and assistance from a kybun expert! Continue the dialogue with the specialist if uncertainty or questions arise later. It is important to discuss such issues with your local kybun specialists.

The soft, elastic kybun sole may take some getting used to at first, but you will soon become comfortable with the new feeling of standing and walking. Seek advice at a specialised kybun shop and take time to try the kybun shoe/kybun mat and experience the effects on your body.

The kybun shoe sole trains both the feet and the entire body: The musculature is strengthened, mobility improved and foot sensitivity stimulated. This provides active therapy for foot malpositions and trains foot coordination and balance.

The feet are the body's foundation. A majority of the forces acting upon the body during activities such as walking should be absorbed by the feet. Only healthy feet are up to the task and they can thereby relieve stress on joints higher up (knees, hips, back etc.)

It is important to maintain a correct foot position in the kybun shoe in the beginning. This means that the foot should remain straight on the kybun shoe sole without lateral/medial rolling. Any lateral/medial rolling in the kybun shoe is not the fault of the kybun shoe but is caused by foot weakness, which must be gradually reduced through training. When you place one-sided strain on your feet, you will notice immediately since the sole yields a great deal in the corresponding area.

Try to focus on the foot position and correct lateral/medial rolling; this strengthens your foot musculature, which will in time prevent lateral/medial rolling of the ankle joint. Do not allow your body to cramp up.

Be sure not to take steps that are too long, since this makes it easier to stabilise the foot over the kybun sole and reduces the tendency towards lateral/medial rolling of the ankle joint.

If walking upright in the kybun shoe is no longer possible or you notice that you are ‘standing beside the shoe’ and are unable to correct this any longer, this is a sign of body fatigue and means you should take a short break from the kybun shoe.

Gradually increase the duration of use at your discretion until the strength and coordination of your feet is sufficient for walking in the kybun shoe for several hours at a time. For some people, this is possible after just a few days, while others take longer. It is highly individual.
The kybun shoe is a training device and can, but does not have to, become an everyday shoe later.

If your foot musculature is weak or you have an existing injury/disorder, it may make sense to acquire a model with a lower rebound effect when you first purchase the kybun shoe. This sole is more stable in the midfoot section. (Please consult your kybun dealer for further information.)

Try various kybun shoes; some models with a higher cut provide more stability.

If you still feel too unsafe walking in the kybun shoe, we advise using the kybun mat. The kybun mat is available in three different thicknesses. This allows you to choose the thickness that is most comfortable for you (the thicker, the less stable, and the more intensive the training).
You can also hold on to a fixed object if you need additional support when using the kybun mat.