Fibromyalgia is a chronic and incurable disorder. It is characterised by extensive pain that develops in various joints and muscles at different times. Back pain, pressure pain sensitivity and accompanying symptoms such as fatigue, sleep disorders, morning stiffness, lack of concentration and drive, sensitivity to changes in the weather, a feeling of swelling in the hands, feet and face, and many other complaints may arise in association with fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia is not synonymous with ‘soft-tissue rheumatism’. However, rheumatoid arthritis is an important differential diagnosis.

Depending on the source cited, between 0.6 and 4 per cent of the population is affected, 85 to 90 per cent of which are women. The disorder generally begins in the late 20s and has fully developed by about the mid-30s. In women, it reaches its peak frequency during and after the menopause. In rare cases, children and teenagers can be affected; it can also be mistakenly classified under ‘age-related disorders’ for elderly sufferers .

Neither the cause of fibromyalgia nor the mechanism by which it develops is well understood. There is a huge range of findings involving genetic, hormonal, neuropsychological, emotional and other factors. An overview of these findings has led primarily to a view of the disease as a disorder of the pain-processing systems in the central nervous system resulting in a lowered pain threshold.

One hormonal and neuropsychological factor that is under discussion is a deficiency in the neurotransmitter serotonin, which plays an important role in pain processing and sleep regulation.

Tissue studies of the subcutaneous connective tissue in fibromyalgia patients indicate a change in the number and composition of sensory nerve endings in this layer of tissue. It appears that the number of free nerve endings is generally significantly lower than those in normal patients.

Patients with fibromyalgia are, on average, more likely to suffer from psychological disorders such as depression and anxiety. It remains unclear and a matter of scientific discussion to what extent these psychological disorders themselves are caused by chronic pain and to what extent the symptoms of fibromyalgia reflect an underlying psychological disorder.

Studies show that fibromyalgia patients have an abnormally low cortisol level in their urine.

Although the causes of fibromyalgia remain unknown, researchers have developed and presented several theories. Some scientists believe that a distinction can be made between primary and secondary fibromyalgia, with the causes of primary fibromyalgia being largely unknown. They assume, among other things, genetic predisposition (fibromyalgia occurs frequently within the same family, and studies of this phenomenon are in progress), impairment of pain processing and altered pain perception, hormonal disorders, a disorder in the hypothalamus-hypophyse-adrenal gland axis and the growth hormone system, changes in the dopamine and serotonin systems, psychological factors and psychosocial stress and possibly changes in the immune system. It is assumed that secondary fibromyalgia is preceded and triggered by another disorder, such as an injury or operation, emotional or physical trauma or an orthopaedic disorder.

Medical measures only have a limited influence on fibromyalgia. There is a fundamental danger of medication abuse, resulting in addiction and unforeseeable consequences of the long-term prescription of various painkillers.

Today, the treatment approach involves multi-modal therapy based on insights from modern pain research. The goal of these measures is to preserve or improve everyday functionality and quality of life, and to reduce or ease complaints. Because the complaints may well last a lifetime, treatment measures that sufferers can implement themselves (self-management), that have few side effects and whose long-term effectiveness is certain are recommended. Today’s approach usually involves patient training, the use of medications in conjunction with athletic and functional therapy, physical therapy, and psychotherapy and relaxation methods.

• The soft, elastic material of the kybun mat/kybun shoe dampens the impact of hard surfaces, protecting your body, reducing pain and allowing you to walk upright for longer.
• The pleasant feeling users have on the kybun mat/kybun shoe is very motivating and restores the joy of movement.
• The shock-absorbing kybun material prevents you from tiring as quickly and extends your ability to concentrate. This restores the joy you find in everyday activities and reduces the frequency with which you require breaks.
• The kybun mat allows you to actively shape your everyday office life or complete housework such as ironing or cooking. Standing on the kybun mat, you will train your postural muscles, reducing your joint and back complaints and recovering a feeling of mental fitness during the day.
• The kybun shoe has a range of applications during the day and gives you a fitness device that you can keep with you all day long! During your morning walk to the train, your work as a cook or salesman, or your visits to the shops in your free time, the kybun shoe actively shapes your day with no additional time required.

• Do not make your steps too long.
• Maintain an upright body posture, but do not tense up!
• Keep your gaze forward and your shoulders and arms loose.
• Everyday/leisure: Walk with the kybun shoe or use the kybun mat as much as possible. Take note of fatigue > perform the kybun exercises regularly and take a short break if needed.
• Job: Sit as little as possible. In the beginning, alternate between sitting and standing, and take along replacement shoes to change into.
• If you feel unsafe/too unstable in the kybun shoe even after a test session, we recommend a kybun shoe model with a lower rebound effect. These models have a somewhat wider sole in the area of the midfoot, providing added stability. Seek advice from your local kybun expert.
• If you find the kybun shoe model with a lower rebound effect too unstable for you as well, we recommend the kybun mat. You can choose the thickness you are comfortable with (the thicker, the less stable, the more intensive the training). You can also hold on to a fixed object.
• Precise movements are essential if you suffer from joint pain. Pay attention to exact movements and take a break in case of severe fatigue or weakness. Lateral/medial rolling of the ankle joint on the soft, elastic material has to be corrected so that the load is applied to the foot, knee and hip with proper axial alignment. Read more under ‘Lateral/medial rolling of the ankle joint’.
• Take your time! kybun is an intensive training device and poses a major challenge for the body. It may take a few months before you can walk in the kybun shoe or stand on the kybun mat for several hours in a row. The duration of use is highly individual and depends on numerous factors. It also varies from day to day. Listen to your body and accept your limits.
• Contact a kybun dealer you trust if you have further questions, feel insecure or if there is no alleviation of pain when using the kybun shoe even though you are following the tips.