Multiple Sclerosis

Definition

What is multiple sclerosis?

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, progressive neurological disease that affects the central nervous system (CNS). It is a complex condition in which the immune system attacks the protective myelin sheath of nerve fibers, disrupting the transmission of nerve impulses. Nerve cells transmit signals from the environment and the body to the brain and receive commands from there. This happens via electrical impulses that travel along nerve fibers. These fibers are insulated by myelin. When the myelin sheath is destroyed, signal transmission is impaired. These disruptions cause various limitations and disabilities.

Two processes interact in MS:

• ◉ The immune system mistakenly attacks and breaks down the insulating myelin sheath (autoimmune process). This leads to local inflammatory lesions in the CNS and destruction of the myelin sheath (demyelination).
• ◉ Additionally, degenerative processes occur in which nerve fibers (axons) and nerve cells are damaged.

The result is disturbed signal transmission — with varying degrees of impairment and disability.
Multiple sclerosis occurs worldwide and mainly affects young adults between the ages of 20 and 40. Women are three times more likely to be affected than men. A characteristic of multiple sclerosis is that symptoms can vary greatly and affect both physical and cognitive functions.

The diagnosis of MS is based on a comprehensive clinical assessment, imaging techniques, and neurological tests in specialized MS clinics. Because symptoms vary individually, an interdisciplinary approach to care is particularly important. Disciplines such as neurology, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and psychology often work closely together to ensure the best possible multiple sclerosis therapy for those affected.

Multiple sclerosis is not immediately life-threatening but can be chronic and persist for years. According to current knowledge, MS is not curable. With a holistic approach that includes both medical therapies and targeted movement, multiple sclerosis symptoms can be alleviated and quality of life sustainably improved.

Causes of multiple sclerosis

The exact causes of multiple sclerosis are still not fully understood. Researchers believe that it is a multifactorial condition — meaning that genetic, immunological, and environmental factors can contribute to the development of multiple sclerosis (MS). The presence of several of these multiple sclerosis risk factors can promote the onset of the disease.

A central role in the causes of multiple sclerosis is likely played by a misdirected autoimmune reaction in which the immune system attacks the myelin sheaths of nerve fibers. This damage disrupts signal transmission in the central nervous system and leads to typical multiple sclerosis symptoms such as muscle weakness, sensory disturbances, or coordination problems.

Genetic factors may also play a role. Studies show that MS occurs more frequently in some families, suggesting a possible inherited susceptibility. Certain gene variants could influence the immune response or increase the risk of developing the disease.

In addition, environmental factors such as infections, vitamin D deficiency, or smoking are discussed as possible contributing causes. Stress or hormonal changes may also favor the onset or relapse activity of MS.

Overall, the causes of multiple sclerosis involve a complex interplay of various factors. Research is ongoing to better understand the exact mechanisms and to derive targeted multiple sclerosis therapies from them.

Symptoms of multiple sclerosis

The symptoms of multiple sclerosis are diverse and can vary greatly from person to person. They depend, among other things, on the individual course of the disease, relapse activity, overall health, and lifestyle. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is characterized by various neurological and physical complaints. An MS diagnosis cannot be made based on a single symptom; it requires a careful neurological examination and imaging procedures such as MRI to rule out other diseases. For this reason, a medical evaluation — e.g., in an MS clinic — is always necessary for a multiple sclerosis diagnosis.

Below are the most common multiple sclerosis symptoms. It is important to note, however, that atypical complaints may also occur and the list is not exhaustive:

• ◉ Muscle weakness and spasticity: Reduction in muscle strength or muscle stiffness due to partial or complete paralysis of certain muscles.
• ◉ Coordination and balance disorders: Unsteady walking, stumbling, or dizziness.
• ◉ Sensory disturbances (paresthesias): Tingling, numbness, or burning sensations in the arms, legs, or face.
• ◉ Visual disturbances: Blurred vision, double vision, or optic neuritis.
• ◉ Fatigue / chronic tiredness: Persistent exhaustion despite adequate sleep.
• ◉ Bladder and bowel problems: Frequent urination, incontinence, or digestive issues.
• ◉ Cognitive impairments (“MS fog”): Concentration and memory problems, slowed thinking, or word-finding difficulties.
• ◉ Pain: Nerve pain, muscle cramps, or general pain.
• ◉ Emotional changes: Depression, mood swings, and sometimes anxiety disorders.
• ◉ Temperature and weather sensitivity: Sensitivity to heat or cold that can worsen symptoms.
• ◉ Speech disorders (dysarthria): Difficulty speaking clearly or articulating.
• ◉ Swallowing difficulties (dysphagia): Problems swallowing, especially in advanced MS.
• ◉ Tremor or shaking: Involuntary trembling in arms, hands, or legs.
• ◉ Sexual dysfunction: Reduced libido or difficulties with sexual function.
• ◉ Breathing difficulties: In advanced disease, respiratory muscles may be affected, making breathing difficult.

Symptoms in multiple sclerosis are highly individual and can change over time. Early recognition and targeted therapy can help alleviate complaints and improve quality of life.

Conventional therapies – what helps with multiple sclerosis?

Various conventional therapy approaches are available for the treatment of multiple sclerosis. The goal is to alleviate multiple sclerosis symptoms — particularly muscle weakness, spasticity, fatigue, and coordination disorders — and to improve the quality of life of those affected. Below are some established multiple sclerosis therapy options. The list is not exhaustive, as different measures may be appropriate depending on the course, severity, and comorbidities. A combination of several treatments is often recommended. A medical consultation in a specialized MS clinic is essential to find the appropriate MS treatment for each individual case.

• ◉ Medication therapy: Immunomodulators, corticosteroids for acute relapses, or symptomatic medications for pain, spasticity, and fatigue.
• ◉ Physiotherapy: Targeted exercises for strengthening muscles, stretching, and improving coordination and balance.
• ◉ Occupational therapy: Supports daily activities through fine motor training, assistive device advice, and environmental adjustments.
• ◉ Exercise therapy / sports: Regular physical activity strengthens endurance, strength, and mobility.
• ◉ Psychotherapy / cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): Helps manage chronic symptoms and reduces depressive moods or anxiety disorders.
• ◉ Relaxation techniques: Progressive muscle relaxation, meditation, or breathing exercises reduce stress, which can exacerbate relapses or multiple sclerosis symptoms.
• ◉ Nutritional adjustments: A balanced, anti-inflammatory diet can promote overall health and may positively influence the disease course.
• ◉ Education and self-management: Information about multiple sclerosis (MS), relapse prevention, and daily life techniques strengthen self-efficacy.
• ◉ Assistive devices: Walking aids, orthopedic insoles, wheelchairs, or technical support in daily life increase mobility and safety.
• ◉ Complementary therapies: Yoga, Tai Chi, aquatic therapy, or stretching promote mobility, balance, and well-being.
• ◉ Symptom-oriented therapies: Treatment of bladder disorders, sleep problems, or pain with targeted measures.
• ◉ Additional physical therapies: Cold or heat applications, massages, or electrotherapy to relieve muscle tension or pain.
• ◉ Speech and swallowing therapy: Targeted exercises help with communication and nutrition in cases of speech or swallowing disorders (dysarthria, dysphagia).
• ◉ TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation): Electrical impulses can reduce nerve-related pain and improve muscle control.
• ◉ Balneotherapy / hydrotherapy: Baths in warm water or swimming promote mobility, relaxation, and pain reduction.

Conventional multiple sclerosis therapy pursues a clear goal: to relieve MS symptoms, maintain function, and improve long-term quality of life.

kybun mode of action – what helps with multiple sclerosis?

kybun products target where many problems for people with multiple sclerosis (MS) begin: limited movement, muscle weakness, spasticity, and the constant strain on the musculoskeletal system. Thanks to the elastic-springy sole, kybun shoes relieve the body and at the same time stimulate natural, active movement. This combination can help relieve muscle tension, gently mobilize the joints, and promote blood circulation in multiple sclerosis. Walking on the unstable, elastic-springy material trains the deep muscles, which can lead to better posture and a reduction in coordination and balance problems. The cushioning property of the elastic-springy material can help reduce MS-related pain. Thus, kybun products offer an approach to actively support MS symptoms.

• ◉ Movement promotion and reduction of sedentary behavior

  Regular physical activity and a reduction of sedentary time are central components in MS treatment. Studies and reports of experience show that physical activity can help alleviate multiple sclerosis symptoms such as fatigue, spasticity, or coordination problems, improve mobility, and reduce exhaustion. The elastic-springy kybun products encourage enjoyment of movement: dynamic standing and walking on the unique material gently activates the entire musculoskeletal system while relieving it at the same time. The continuous, joint-friendly activation of the muscles improves circulation, relieves tension, and strengthens body awareness. At the same time, it helps reduce sitting time — an important factor in supporting quality of life in MS.

• ◉ Activation and strengthening of the musculature

  The elastic-springy material of kybun products promotes muscular activation and strengthening in a gentle way — crucial in MS, where muscle weakness, spasticity, and limited stability often occur. Walking and standing on the unstable surface result in numerous small compensatory movements to maintain balance. This activation particularly affects the deep muscles in the feet, legs, pelvis, and trunk — exactly the muscle groups important for stability, posture, and movement coordination.
  The gentle, continuous activation can release muscle tension, improve blood flow, and enhance body perception. Well-trained foot muscles stabilize the knees, hips, and back, reduce poor posture, and support joint-friendly movement.

Balance and EMG

Balance ability was measured with a force plate by tracking the movement of the center of mass from front to back (ant-post) and side to side (med-lat) while standing. In parallel, electromyography (EMG) recorded muscular activity.

• ◉ Reduction of impact forces by cushioning effect

  Hard, flat floors transmit shocks to the knees, hips, and spine with each step. These micro-loads can lead to increased muscle fatigue, spasticity, or joint complaints in MS. The elastic-springy sole of kybun products counteracts this: on heel strike, the foot gently sinks into the sole, and part of the impact energy is absorbed immediately. This reduces the load on muscles, tendons, and joints.
  The rebound effect of the sole ensures an even distribution of force while walking. Sensitive structures are protected and joint-friendly locomotion is supported. This can make movement feel more comfortable and less stressful, which reduces multiple sclerosis symptoms.

• ◉ Natural foot roll thanks to muscle activation and roll function

  In multiple sclerosis, walking can be impaired by muscle stiffness, coordination problems, or balance insecurity. As natural and smooth a rolling movement as possible — from the heel over the midfoot to the big toe joint — helps to evenly load the feet and the structures above them and to harmonize movement patterns. This can improve force distribution across the musculoskeletal system and reduce mis- and overloading.
  
  The elastic-springy properties of kybun shoes allow the heel to sink gently into the sole on impact. This causes the load on the body to increase gradually, giving the foot and leg muscles more time to engage actively. This controlled activation supports stability while walking and helps reduce coordination and balance problems.
  The slightly rounded sole shape of kybun shoes also supports the natural forward movement of the foot. It promotes a harmonious, fluid roll and can help facilitate movement, protect the joints, and improve balance — important aspects for safe and comfortable walking in MS.

• ◉ Optimized pressure distribution

  kybun products enclose the plantar surface of the foot evenly and ensure optimized pressure distribution during walking and standing. This relieves muscles, tendons, joints, and fascia, reduces local peak loads, and supports natural posture. Especially in MS, where muscle fatigue and spasticity make movement difficult, even pressure distribution contributes to noticeable relief and a more comfortable movement experience.

• ◉ Care and protection of the fascia

  The fascia — the connective tissue that surrounds muscles, tendons, and organs — also plays an important role in mobility, force transmission, and stability of the entire musculoskeletal system in multiple sclerosis.
  Changes in gait, increased muscle tension (spasticity), or insecurity in standing can lead to asymmetric loading. These can additionally strain fascial structures. If tissue is unevenly loaded over a long period, its gliding ability may decrease — tension, irritation, and local pain are possible consequences.
  The elastic-springy shoe soles from kybun support a gentle, controlled footfall and counteract excessive loading of the fascia. Through even pressure distribution and the natural, harmonious rolling movement of the foot, the musculoskeletal system is physiologically loaded. This can help preserve the structure and function of fascial tissue. This active, muscle- and fascia-friendly dynamic can contribute to reducing tension, improving stability, and making gait more fluid and safer in MS.

• ◉ Improved circulation through increased activity

  Walking and standing on kybun products increases natural activity, activates muscles, and improves circulation. Better microcirculation promotes the supply of oxygen and nutrients to muscles, joints, and fascia, supports regeneration, and can alleviate typical multiple sclerosis symptoms such as muscle fatigue, spasticity, or fatigue.

Application tips for multiple sclerosis

Before you wear kybun shoes for the first time, you should consider some application tips. Correct use can help in MS treatment to relieve multiple sclerosis symptoms such as muscle fatigue, spasticity, or coordination problems and to promote mobility.

• ◉ Start with short wearing times: Initially wear kybun shoes only for as long as your body tolerates. Muscles, tendons, and the nervous system need time to adapt to the elastic-springy surface. Gradually increase wearing times and take breaks if fatigue or increased complaints occur. Due to the activating effect of kybun products, mild muscle fatigue or initial reactions may occur at first.
• ◉ Use the heel actively: On heel strike, consciously press the heel into the elastic-springy material and feel the cushioning of the kybun shoes. This reduces the load on muscles, joints, tendons, and fascia and provides gentle, joint-friendly locomotion.
• ◉ Gentle roll-off: Roll the foot slowly from heel over midfoot to forefoot. Avoid abrupt impacts or tense movements — an even roll helps distribute load and reduces coordination difficulties.
• ◉ Shorter steps at the beginning: At first, walk with shorter steps rather than large strides. This supports stability, coordination, and reduces overload in the knees, hips, or back — especially important with spasticity or balance disorders.
• ◉ Active roll-off over the forefoot: Gradually try to roll off over the forefoot. This increases the range of motion of the feet and promotes mobility in all joints. For blockages or motor limitations, adapt the roll-off to your possibilities to avoid overload.
• ◉ Regularity and patience: Use kybun products regularly, but listen to your body. Continuous, gentle activation of muscles and fascia supports long-term stability, balance, circulation, and mobility — central factors in multiple sclerosis treatment.