Polyneuropathy

Definition

What is polyneuropathy?

Polyneuropathy is a disease of the peripheral nervous system in which several nerves are affected simultaneously. These nerves are located outside the brain and spinal cord and are responsible for controlling movement, transmitting sensory impressions and for certain automatic bodily functions.

Polyneuropathy causes structural or functional changes to these nerves, which can impair the transmission of information between the body and the nervous system. The disease can affect sensory, motor or autonomic nerves - often in combination (e.g. sensorimotor polyneuropathy). It usually occurs symmetrically, i.e. on both sides of the body simultaneously, and usually affects the areas further away from the center of the body first, such as the feet or hands.

In most cases, polyneuropathy cannot be cured, but its symptoms can often be alleviated and the progression of the disease can be slowed or halted. Polyneuropathy generally has no effect on life expectancy. However, the underlying disease that leads to polyneuropathy can affect life expectancy. More on the causes of polyneuropathy in the following section.

Cause polyneuropathy

Damage to several peripheral nerves can have a variety of triggers. There is often an underlying metabolic cause, in particular diabetes mellitus, in which increased blood sugar levels damage the nerve structure in the long term. Chronic alcohol abuse can also lead to nerve damage due to the toxic effects of alcohol and deficiencies of important vitamins and trace elements.

Malnutrition and vitamin deficiencies, especially a lack of vitamins B1, B6, B12 or folic acid, impair nerve function and regeneration. Toxic substances such as heavy metals (e.g. lead, mercury, arsenic) or organic solvents can have a direct neurotoxic effect. Medications, especially certain chemotherapeutic agents, can also cause nerve damage as a side effect.

Infections - such as those caused by borrelia (Lyme disease), HIV or hepatitis C - can also be triggers, as can autoimmune processes in which the immune system mistakenly attacks nerve tissue. Hereditary neuropathies are caused by genetic changes that impair the structure and function of the nerves. Finally, mechanical factors such as prolonged pressure or repeated micro-injuries can damage the nerves.

Genetic factors may also play a role. Inherited neuropathies, such as Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, are based on mutations in genes. These lead to a faulty structure of the nerves and thus to impaired nerve function. Mechanical and traumatic causes can also lead to changes in the nerves. Prolonged pressure on nerves, for example due to misalignment, tumors or chronic strain, can lead to ischemia and structural damage. Repeated microtraumas, e.g. caused by vibrations or long-term mechanical stress in the workplace, are also considered a risk factor.

Symptoms of polyneuropathy

The symptoms of polyneuropathy often depend on various factors such as the extent of nerve damage, the types of nerves affected (sensitive, motor or autonomic), general physical condition and individual perception of pain. The corresponding symptoms often provide indications of polyneuropathies. However, a doctor should always be consulted for a definitive diagnosis. Electrophysiological procedures such as electroneurography (ENG) or electromyography (EMG), which measure nerve conduction velocity and muscle activity, are primarily used for precise clarification. Imaging procedures such as MRI are generally only used if additional diseases need to be ruled out or other structures need to be assessed. X-rays are not suitable for direct imaging of the nerves, but can provide indirect indications of accompanying changes in individual cases. The most common symptoms of polyneuropathy are listed below. It is important to mention that atypical polyneuropathy symptoms may also exist, which are not mentioned here. The following list of symptoms is therefore not exhaustive.

• Tingling or formication (paraesthesia): An unpleasant, often burning or tingling sensation in the hands and feet caused by impaired nerve conductivity.
• Numbness: Reduced or absent perception of touch, cold or heat, often starting in the toes or fingertips and spreading slowly.
• Burning pain: An intense, sometimes permanent burning sensation in the extremities, triggered by false signals from damaged nerves.
• Sharp or shooting pain: Sudden, knife-like pain impulses that can occur without any external cause.
• Increased sensitivity to pain (hyperalgesia): Normal stimuli, such as light pressure or touch, are perceived excessively as pain.
• In polyneuropathy, fatigue is a common symptom with a variety of causes - such as chronic pain, sleep disorders due to discomfort, psychological stress or involvement of the autonomic nervous system.
• Disturbed sense of temperature: Difficulty distinguishing between heat and cold, which increases the risk of burns or frostbite.
• Reduced vibration sensation: impaired perception of fine vibrations, which is often detected during the examination using a tuning fork.
• Muscle weakness: loss of muscle strength, especially in the feet and legs, which can lead to an unsteady gait.
• Muscle atrophy: Long-term nerve damage can lead to the regression of muscle tissue if it is no longer sufficiently stimulated.
• Balance disorders: Impaired depth sensitivity makes it difficult to control body position, especially in the dark or with eyes closed.
• Unsteady gait: Wide-legged or swaying gait to maintain stability, often as a compensatory mechanism for sensory disorders.
• Coordination disorders (ataxia): Difficulties with targeted movements, e.g. gripping or climbing stairs, as a result of impaired nerve impulses.
• Reflex changes: Weakened or absent reflexes, especially at the ankles or knees, due to impaired signal transmission.
• Autonomic dysfunction: Impairment of unconscious bodily functions, such as blood pressure regulation, sweating or digestion, when autonomic nerves are affected.
• Hypersensitivity or insensitivity of the skin: Some sufferers react extremely sensitively to light touch, while others hardly notice stimuli or do not notice them at all.

Conventional therapies - what helps with polyneuropathy?

There are various therapeutic approaches for the treatment of polyneuropathy. The primary aim is to alleviate symptoms, improve quality of life and - if possible - slow down the progression of nerve damage. Some conventional therapies for polyneuropathy are outlined below. The list of polyneuropathy therapies is not exhaustive. Various measures can often be combined to reduce polyneuropathy symptoms such as pain, discomfort or muscle weakness. A medical consultation is recommended to determine the appropriate therapy for the individual case.

• Treatment of the underlying disease: If the polyneuropathy is caused by a disease such as diabetes mellitus or a thyroid disorder, the focus is on optimal control to prevent further nerve damage.
• Pain medication: Use of analgesics such as paracetamol or NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) for short-term relief of mild pain.
• Special polyneuropathy medication for nerve pain: Certain antidepressants (e.g. amitriptyline) or anticonvulsants (e.g. gabapentin, pregabalin) are used specifically as polyneuropathy medication to reduce neuropathic pain.
• Topical pain therapy: Creams or patches can reduce pain locally by inhibiting the transmission of pain signals in the skin.
• Physical therapy: Applications such as heat treatment, cold, ultrasound or electrotherapy can promote blood circulation, relieve pain and increase well-being.
• Physiotherapy: In the case of polyneuropathy, physiotherapy is a measure to improve muscle strength, mobility and coordination with targeted exercises, which prevents falls and makes everyday life easier.
• Occupational therapy: Helps those affected to cope better with everyday activities despite limitations and to learn how to use aids.
• Foot care (podiatry): Regular checks and care of the feet - especially with diabetes - to prevent injuries and subsequent infections.
• Orthopaedic aids: Insoles, special footwear or crutches can stabilize the gait and prevent pressure sores.
• Nutritional optimization: A balanced diet with an adequate supply of vitamins (especially B vitamins) and trace elements can support nerve function and regeneration.
• Vitamin supplements: If there is a proven deficiency of B1, B6, B12 or folic acid, supplements are used specifically to promote nerve metabolism and myelin synthesis.
• Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS): A device emits gentle current pulses to the skin via electrodes to suppress pain signals.
• Acupuncture: Can reduce pain and discomfort in some cases, presumably by activating the body's own pain inhibition mechanisms.
• Exercise training: Regular moderate exercise (e.g. walking, cycling, swimming) improves blood circulation, metabolism and general well-being.
• Psychological support: pain therapy, relaxation techniques or cognitive behavioral therapy help to make it easier to deal with chronic complaints.

how does kybun work - what helps with polyneuropathy?

The kybun products specifically address where many problems of people with polyneuropathy begin: limited mobility, muscle imbalances, balance disorders and reduced activity of the foot and leg muscles. Thanks to the elastic, springy sole, kybun shoes relieve the musculoskeletal system on the one hand and promote a natural, active walking movement on the other. This combination can help to stimulate blood circulation in the legs, gently mobilize the muscles and improve balance. At the same time, walking on the elastic, springy material trains the deep muscles and stimulates the soles of the feet, which can help with sensitivity disorders. This can stabilize posture and improve stability and gait. Thus, kybun shoes offer a possible approach to relieving the burden on those affected in everyday life and promoting their mobility. The most important effects of kybun products for polyneuropathy are outlined below.

• Promoting physical activity and reducing sedentary behavior

  Regular exercise and a reduction in sedentary activities are key components in dealing with polyneuropathy. Studies and field reports suggest that physical activity can help to improve blood circulation and nerve supply, promote mobility and reduce the risk of falls. Lack of exercise, on the other hand, can lead to muscle weakness, impaired coordination and a deterioration in gait stability. The elastic, springy kybun products support the joy of movement, as the dynamic standing and walking on the kybun material gently activates and simultaneously relieves the entire musculoskeletal system. The continuous activation of the muscles, which is gentle on the joints, stimulates blood circulation, trains balance and improves body awareness. In addition, kybun products help to reduce the amount of time spent sitting in everyday life - an important factor in maintaining mobility and quality of life with polyneuropathies. The positive effects of promoting movement with kybun products are shown below.

• Activates and strengthens the muscles thanks to its elastic and resilient properties

  An elastic, springy surface like that of kybun products can promote muscular activation and strengthening in a gentle but sustainable way - a decisive advantage in polyneuropathy, where muscle weakness, coordination problems and sensitivity disorders are often the main issues. When walking and standing on the unstable material, numerous small balancing movements must be performed to maintain balance. This muscle activation particularly affects the deep muscles in the feet, legs, pelvis and torso - precisely those muscle groups that are important for posture, stability and coordination of movement.
  This gentle but continuous activation can reduce muscle weakness and muscular imbalances, stimulate blood circulation and improve body awareness - which can increase stability and gait safety in the case of polyneuropathy. The feet are particularly important here: As the basis of posture, they directly influence the statics of the entire body. Activated and strengthened foot muscles have a stabilizing effect on the knees, hips and back and can reduce poor posture, which is often caused by sensory and movement disorders.

Balance and EMG

The ability to maintain balance was measured with a force plate by moving the body's center of gravity from front to back (ant-post) and sideways (med-lat) when standing. At the same time, muscular activity was recorded using electromyography (EMG).

• Reduction of the force exerted by hard, flat floors due to damping effect

  Hard, flat floors transmit impact forces directly via the soles of the feet to the knees, hips and the entire spine with every step. For people with polyneuropathies, these continuous micro-loads can put additional strain on their already limited sensitivity and place greater stress on their muscles and joints. The elastic, springy sole of kybun shoes specifically counteracts this effect: When the heel strikes the ground, the foot gently sinks into the material, absorbing some of the impact energy and significantly reducing the strain on the musculoskeletal system.
  The so-called rebound effect of the kybun sole - the gentle springing back after sinking in - enables a more even distribution of force when walking. This protects sensitive joints and relieves overstressed structures such as muscles, tendons and fasciae. This gentle cushioning can reduce the risk of incorrect loading and make movement more comfortable, especially in cases of polyneuropathy, where sensitivity disorders and coordination problems make walking more difficult.
  In addition, the slow sinking of the heel gives the body more time to activate stabilizing muscle groups. The resulting basic tension improves joint guidance and supports gentle, joint-friendly movement. This combination of shock absorption and muscular stabilization can help to reduce discomfort, promote mobility and sustainably increase physical well-being in the case of polyneuropathy.

• Natural foot roll thanks to muscle activation and roll-off function

  When the heel strikes the ground in kybun shoes, the foot slowly sinks into the elastic, springy material. This delayed sinking not only reduces the sudden application of force, but also gives the muscles time to actively adjust to the load. The targeted activation of the foot muscles stabilizes the arch of the foot and enables a natural, controlled rolling motion - from heel strike via the midfoot to push-off via the forefoot.
  This guided rolling motion can provide valuable support, especially for people with polyneuropathy. The gentle activation during walking prevents an unsteady foot position, reduces postures that are too protective and promotes natural gait dynamics. Active rolling also supports a more fluid movement sequence and efficiently transfers the forces acting on the foot into the forward movement - instead of transferring them to the joints and muscles without damping.
  The resulting increase in the range of motion in the foot, knee, hip and spine joints results in a better distribution of the load throughout the body. Particularly valuable for polyneuropathy: the resulting rotation in the upper body supports stability and balance, promotes blood circulation in the legs and contributes to improved body awareness. Overall, natural rolling with kybun not only helps to relieve overloaded structures, but also promotes a safe, rhythmic pattern of movement - which can have a positive long-term effect on mobility, stability and well-being.

• Optimized pressure distribution

  The elastic-springy kybun products surround the entire sole of the foot evenly and thus ensure optimized pressure distribution when walking and standing. This even distribution of forces can lead to significant relief, particularly in the case of typical polyneuropathy symptoms such as sensory disturbances and increased sensitivity of the feet to stress. By reducing local peak loads, sensitive structures such as muscles, tendons, joints and fasciae are protected.
  The soft, reactive sole allows the tread surface to adapt dynamically with every step. This increases the surface area over which the body weight is distributed and reduces pressure points - for example in the heel, ball of the foot or metatarsal heads. This not only relieves pressure, but also supports a more stable posture and a safer sequence of movements, which can counteract incorrect strain and overuse in the long term.
  The optimized pressure distribution of kybun products offers noticeable support, particularly in the case of polyneuropathy, where even minor pressure stimuli or unsafe pressure points can be uncomfortable or risky. It enables smoother, more comfortable walking and standing - without additional overstimulation of the already sensitive structures. This can improve the experience of movement and break the vicious circle of insecurity, posture and limited mobility.

• Care and protection of the facia

  Walking on the elastic, springy surface of kybun products can make a significant contribution to the care and protection of the fascia - a key aspect of polyneuropathy, as changes in the connective tissue, reduced blood circulation and muscular imbalances are often the result of nerve damage. Fasciae are fine but resilient connective tissue structures that envelop and connect muscles, organs and joints and ensure the distribution of tension and mobility. They are particularly sensitive to lack of movement, monotonous strain or incorrect loading - factors that often occur in polyneuropathies.
  The springy movement when walking in kybun shoes generates gentle, rhythmic impulses that stimulate the fascial tissue. This promotes blood circulation, improves the exchange of fluids and supports the removal of metabolic products. These processes help to loosen or prevent adhesions and hardening in the fascia. At the same time, the dynamic stress maintains the elasticity and gliding ability of the fascia network, which improves mobility and can have a positive effect on the consequences of polyneuropathy - such as muscular tension or restrictions in joint mobility.
  A well-maintained, elastic fascia network also supports the even distribution of force in the body and relieves overstressed structures such as muscles, joints and the spine. Especially in cases of polyneuropathy, where unsteady gait, reduced sensitivity and muscular weaknesses are common, gentle mobilization with kybun can help to improve stability, reduce pain and promote general body awareness. Regular use of kybun products therefore not only supports the joy of movement, but also the long-term health of the connective tissue.

• Improved circulation through increased physical activity

  Walking and standing on the elastic, springy surface of kybun products promotes natural movement activity - a key factor for the circulation of the entire musculoskeletal system. Particularly in the case of polyneuropathy, where restricted microcirculation, circulatory disorders and a reduced supply of nutrients to the tissue often occur, gently stimulated, rhythmic movement can make a decisive contribution to alleviating symptoms. The increased activity on the elastic, springy sole stimulates the muscle pump, improves venous return and supports the supply of oxygen and nutrients to muscles, fasciae and joints.
  This improved blood circulation can help to promote tissue regeneration, support the removal of metabolic products and reduce muscular tension or weakness - typical symptoms of polyneuropathy. Deeper lying structures, which are less well supplied due to nerve changes, also benefit from the increased metabolic activity. At the same time, tissue elasticity and thermoregulation are improved, which can lead to a more pleasant body sensation, greater stability and increased enjoyment of movement.Overall, the use of kybun products promotes better blood circulation through gentle movement integrated into everyday life - without excessive strain. This can help to increase physical resilience, alleviate neuropathic complaints and sustainably improve the quality of life of people with polyneuropathies.

Application tips for polyneuropathy

Before you wear kybun shoes for the first time, you should consider a few tips for use. Correct use can help to alleviate polyneuropathy pain.

• Start with short periods of wear and increase these gradually. At the beginning, only wear kybun shoes for as long as your body allows. The body, especially the muscles and nervous system, need time to get used to the elastic, springy surface. Take breaks if the symptoms of polyneuropathy become more severe or if the musculoskeletal system becomes fatigued. The activating properties of kybun products train the muscles, which can lead to so-called initial reactions, especially at the beginning.
• Actively press your heel into the elastic, springy material during heel strike and feel the cushioning properties of kybun shoes. The cushioning is designed to cushion and reduce the impact on the body, which reduces the strain on muscles, tendons, ligaments, fasciae, joints and bones.
• Slowly roll your foot from the heel to the midfoot to the forefoot. Avoid tense or abrupt movements - even movements help to distribute muscle tension better.
• To begin with, take shorter steps rather than big lunges - this helps with stability and coordination. This avoids overloading your knees, hips or back.
• Over time, try to roll as actively as possible over the forefoot. By increasing the range of motion of the feet, more movement is generated in all joints, which helps with tension and stiffness in particular. If active rolling is not possible due to blockages or other deficits, reduce the rolling movement over the forefoot.