Rheumatism

Definition

What is rheumatism?

The term rheumatism does not refer to a single disease but is an umbrella term for more than 100 different rheumatic conditions. These rheumatic diseases can affect the entire body and manifest in different ways. The medical specialty that deals with these diseases is rheumatology. A common rheumatology definition describes rheumatism as a group of chronic, often inflammatory diseases characterized by pain, inflammation and potential changes to joints, muscles, tendons or bones. Internal organs or blood vessels can also be affected in some forms of rheumatism. This makes it clear that rheumatic diseases can follow very different courses and have diverse effects on the body.

Behind a rheumatic disease there is often a complex interplay of immune processes, metabolic mechanisms and age-related changes. The term “rheumatism” (Rheumatismus) is also frequently used as a general term for all rheumatic diseases that cause similar rheumatic complaints. Some of the best-known rheumatic diseases include, among others:

• inflammatory rheumatism such as rheumatoid arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis
• degenerative rheumatic conditions such as osteoarthritis
• metabolic rheumatic diseases such as gout or haemochromatosis
• soft-tissue rheumatism or muscle rheumatism affecting muscles, tendons or connective tissue (e.g. fibromyalgia)

Causes of rheumatism

The causes of rheumatism are as varied as the different forms of the disease themselves. In inflammatory rheumatic diseases, misdirected immune processes often play a decisive role. The immune system mistakenly targets the body’s own tissues — for example in rheumatoid arthritis. This form of inflammatory rheumatism is one of the best-known rheumatic diseases and is therefore intensively researched. Scientists investigate the causes of rheumatism because genetic factors, environmental conditions, infections and personal lifestyle are closely interwoven here.

In addition to autoimmune triggers, there are many other factors that can increase the risk of developing a rheumatic condition. These include genetic predisposition, overweight, malalignment and postural defects of the musculoskeletal system, and a lack of regular physical activity. The quality of movement also plays a crucial role. Walking and standing on hard, flat floors or wearing shoes with stiff soles influence joint loading and can promote rheumatic complaints over time. Other known risk factors include smoking, excessive alcohol consumption and an unhealthy diet.

Research also shows that the causes of rheumatism should be considered not only physically but also psychosocially. Chronic stress, high professional or personal burdens and insufficient recovery phases can promote inflammatory processes in the body and thus exacerbate rheumatic disease. Hormonal influences also play a role, which partly explains why certain rheumatic types occur more frequently in women than in men.

Over the long term, rheumatic diseases can significantly affect not only the musculoskeletal system but also quality of life. Affected individuals often suffer from persistent pain, which in some cases can lead to changes in personality associated with rheumatism. These changes arise not only from the physical burden but also from the psychological strain associated with chronic rheumatic diseases.

Symptoms of rheumatism

The symptoms of rheumatism are diverse and depend heavily on the specific rheumatic disease. They can vary in severity from person to person and are often influenced by factors such as age, general health, genetic predisposition and the form of the rheumatic disease. Because rheumatic conditions can affect many organs and types of tissue, complaints are not limited to the musculoskeletal system but can involve the whole body. A clear diagnosis requires medical evaluation. The most common rheumatic symptoms are described below:

• Joint pain: One of the typical signs of rheumatic diseases is persistent or recurring pain in large and small joints.
• Morning stiffness of the joints: Especially in inflammatory rheumatism, hands, knees or feet can feel stiff after getting up.
• Swelling of the joints: Inflammation can cause swelling, which may be tender to pressure.
• Redness and increased warmth: Inflamed joints are often visibly red and feel warm.
• Restricted movement: Pain and inflammation reduce mobility, making everyday activities difficult.
• Muscle pain and muscle rheumatism: Rheumatism can also affect the muscles, leading to tension or muscle pain.
• Fatigue and exhaustion: Chronic rheumatic diseases are frequently associated with general fatigue.
• Sleep disturbances: Persistent pain and restlessness often lead to problems staying asleep.
• Fever and general malaise: Flu-like symptoms appear mainly during acute inflammatory flares.
• Weight loss: Unintentional weight loss can occur with long-lasting inflammation.
• Skin changes: Some rheumatic diseases are accompanied by rashes or nodules.
• Sensitivity to cold or heat: Affected joints may react sensitively to temperature changes.
• Coordination problems and unsteady gait: Pain and inflammation can disrupt movement patterns.
• Numbness and tingling: Nerves can be affected in some forms of rheumatism.
• Internal organ involvement: Some rheumatic diseases affect the heart, lungs or kidneys.
• Eye complaints: Inflammation can also extend to the eyes (e.g. dryness, redness).
• Concentration problems and memory impairment: Chronic pain can reduce cognitive performance.
• Personality change related to rheumatism: Prolonged complaints and pain can alter mood and personality.

Conventional therapies – what helps with rheumatism?

There are various approaches to treating a rheumatic disease, which are combined individually depending on the type of rheumatism and the symptoms. The goal of rheumatism therapy is to relieve pain, control inflammation, improve mobility and prevent long-term joint damage. A medical assessment is indispensable to determine the appropriate treatment. The most important conventional rheumatism therapies are outlined below:

• Physiotherapy: Targeted exercises and therapeutic treatments promote joint mobility, strengthen muscles and support posture. This relieves stressed joints and prevents secondary damage.
• Medical training therapy (MTT): Under guidance, strength, endurance and coordination are improved. A stable musculature protects joints, tendons and ligaments from overload.
• Alternating activity and rest: Complete immobilization is not advisable for rheumatism. Instead, targeted breaks combined with gentle movement help keep joints supple and functional.
• Medication for rheumatism: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or diclofenac relieve pain and inhibit inflammation. In severe cases, corticosteroids or disease-modifying drugs may be used.
• Infiltrations / injections: For acute pain, corticosteroid or local anesthetic injections into affected joints can be administered. They reduce inflammation and provide targeted pain relief.
• Occupational therapy / joint protection training: Affected individuals learn to perform daily movements in a joint-protective way. Occupational aids make everyday life easier with limited mobility.
• Manual therapy / chiropractic treatment: Gentle mobilization improves joint mobility and relieves muscular tension. This reduces pressure, improves circulation and decreases pain.
• Pain therapy / psychosomatic support: Since chronic rheumatic symptoms also burden mental health, multimodal concepts combine physical and psychological treatments to improve pain coping.
• Orthopedic aids: Insoles, braces or orthopedic shoes can correct malalignment, stabilize joints and relieve the musculoskeletal system.
• Heat or cold therapy: Heat applications such as peloid packs or heat patches promote circulation and relieve muscle tension. Cold treatments are analgesic and reduce swelling in acute inflammation.
• Naturopathic procedures / acupuncture: Acupuncture, cupping or homeopathic approaches can activate self-healing processes.
• Weight reduction: Overweight places additional strain on joints. Healthy nutrition and weight loss are therefore an important part of any rheumatism therapy.
• Prevention programs and education: Specialized training teaches patients how to protect their joints in everyday life and keep them healthy long term.
• Hydrotherapy / aquatic therapy: Joint-friendly movement in warm water relieves joints while training muscles.
• Balneotherapy / spa treatments: Healing baths with thermal water or mud packs (e.g. peat baths) have anti-inflammatory effects, promote circulation and can relieve pain.
• Nutritional therapy: An anti-inflammatory diet rich in vegetables, omega-3 fatty acids (fish, flaxseed oil) and low in red meat can positively influence disease progression.
• Relaxation techniques and stress management: Methods such as yoga, meditation or progressive muscle relaxation help reduce stress and inflammatory processes.
• Surgery: In severe cases of rheumatism—such as with severely damaged joints—surgical interventions like joint replacement (e.g. hip or knee prosthesis) may be necessary.

kybun mode of action – what helps with rheumatism?

kybun products aim to eliminate the health-damaging effects of hard, flat floors and inflexible, supportive shoes, as well as to actively address lack of movement and a sedentary lifestyle. Due to the elastic-springy properties of kybun products, the musculoskeletal system is both relieved and activated. In rheumatic diseases, this alternation between unloading and activation plays a central role: joints are protected while being gently stimulated by movement. This can relieve pain, improve mobility and promote blood circulation. The activation is intended to initiate a natural, joint-friendly gait and strengthen muscles throughout the body to reduce rheumatic complaints in the long term. Thus, kybun shoes are well suited for rheumatic conditions because they help in treatment through the following mechanisms:

• Promotion of movement and reduction of sedentary behavior

  Regular movement is one of the most important measures for rheumatism. Inactivity promotes stiffness and pain, while targeted movement improves joint metabolism and can positively influence inflammatory processes. The elastic-springy kybun products encourage the joy of movement because walking and standing on the unique material gently mobilize and at the same time relieve the joints. Especially in inflammatory rheumatism and arthritis, a joint-friendly, rhythmic movement is crucial to prevent stiffness and preserve mobility. Using kybun products can also reduce the duration of sedentary activity, which stimulates circulation and activates metabolism in muscles and joints. This is important because many types of rheumatism are associated with chronic inflammation and circulatory disorders.

• Activation and strengthening of muscles through elastic-springy properties

  An elastic-springy surface such as that of kybun causes muscles—especially in the feet, legs, pelvis and trunk—to perform continuous small compensatory movements. These reflex-like movements strengthen the deep musculature and improve body stability. In rheumatic disease this is particularly important because weakened muscles place greater load on the joints and can increase pain. By training the deep muscles, joints are relieved, postural defects are corrected and movement control is improved. Activation of the foot muscles also stabilizes overall body posture. A well-trained foot arch ensures an even transmission of forces and reduces peak loads on the knees, hips and spine. This supports joints that are often painful and inflamed in rheumatism.

Balance and EMG

Balance ability was measured with a force plate by tracking the movement of the body’s center of gravity from front to back (ant-post) and sideways (med-lat) while standing. Electromyography (EMG) simultaneously recorded muscular activity.

• Reduction of impact forces from hard, flat floors through damping effect

  Hard, flat floors transmit strong shock forces directly to the joints and spine with every step. These repeated microloads can trigger rheumatic conditions and worsen existing rheumatic symptoms, especially in inflamed or swollen joints. On heel strike in kybun shoes, the elastic-springy material compresses. This damping effect significantly reduces the load on the joints and back and provides a soft, pain-free walking experience. At the same time, the sole returns energy in a controlled manner thanks to its elastic-springy properties, initiating an active rolling motion over the forefoot. Through a physiological sequence of movement, muscles, tendons, ligaments, fasciae and joints are naturally loaded. This helps to better control rheumatic diseases and reduce pain when walking.

• Natural foot roll thanks to muscle activation and rolling function

  On heel strike in kybun shoes, the elastic-springy material is gently compressed. This delays the moment of maximal force impact, allowing the body to activate stabilizing muscles in time. This targeted muscle work ensures a harmonious movement sequence and prevents the foot from collapsing uncontrollably. The result is a dynamic, natural rolling movement in which the entire foot is evenly involved in the motion.
  Through this controlled flow of movement, impact forces are damped and the musculoskeletal system is protected. At the same time, the range of motion of the feet is optimally utilized, which leads to improved mobility in the joints above — particularly the knees, hips and spine. This even movement reduces misloading, prevents overload injuries and supports healthy joint mechanics.
  
  For people with rheumatism, rheumatoid arthritis or other rheumatic conditions, the gentle, active roll-off is especially valuable: it promotes nutrient supply to the joints, distributes synovial fluid evenly and helps preserve joint mobility. Inflammatory processes can also be positively influenced by the rhythmic, controlled movement. Another advantage of the natural foot roll is the prevention of malpositions that often result from protective postures or joint deformities in rheumatic diseases. Active engagement of the foot muscles stabilizes posture, improves balance and reduces the risk of falls. At the same time, the harmonious roll-off supports an upright posture, making the entire movement sequence smoother and less painful.

• Improved circulation through increased movement activity

  Good circulation is of great importance in rheumatic disease because it helps transport nutrients to affected joints and clear inflammatory substances. Walking on the elastic-springy kybun surface activates the muscle pump in the legs, improving blood circulation and keeping lymph fluid in motion. This helps reduce swelling and inflammation. Especially in rheumatoid arthritis or other inflammatory rheumatic forms, this gentle activity can relieve joints and support healing processes.

• Care and protection of the fasciae

  The fasciae — the connective tissue that surrounds muscles and joints — play a central role in mobility and pain regulation. In rheumatic diseases fasciae are often adhesed or hardened, causing additional pain. Walking on elastic-springy kybun material promotes circulation and fluid exchange in the fascial layers through rhythmic movements. This helps release adhesions, improve glide and reduce inflammation. Movement on a springy surface stimulates the natural elasticity of the fascial network and can thus contribute to a reduction of rheumatic symptoms. The fasciae remain supple, which in turn promotes mobility and reduces pain.

• Optimized pressure distribution

  The entire sole of the foot is surrounded by the elastic-springy material when walking, resulting in an even pressure distribution. This spares joints, muscles and tendons — a major advantage in rheumatism, where certain joints are often overloaded or inflamed. The constant fine movement inside the kybun shoe increases the contact area, reducing peak pressure points and alleviating pain. This even pressure distribution supports joint function, prevents misloading and contributes to long-term joint health — an important factor in relieving rheumatic disease and its symptoms.

Application tips for rheumatism

Before you wear kybun shoes for the first time, you should observe some usage instructions. Proper handling supports the joint-protective effect and can help relieve pain and stiffness in rheumatism.

• Wear kybun shoes initially only for as long as is comfortable. Rheumatically altered joints react sensitively to new movement stimuli. Therefore introduce regular wearing breaks at the beginning, especially if you notice fatigue or a temporary increase in pain. These so-called initial reactions can occur and indicate that the muscles are being activated and the musculoskeletal system is adapting to the new type of load.
• In rheumatic disease, movement is a crucial factor to maintain joint function. Prolonged sitting or monotonous postures can lead to stiffness and swelling. Try, therefore, to stand up regularly when wearing kybun shoes, take short walks or perform gentle standing exercises. The elastic-springy material supports continuous micro-movements of the joints and stimulates metabolism.
• Press the heel actively into the elastic-springy material when stepping. The damping effect reduces shock load on pain-sensitive joints and prevents overload pain. Especially with arthritis or inflammatory rheumatism, this controlled cushioning can help avoid joint irritation and make movements more comfortable.
• Use the rolling function of kybun shoes individually for your complaints. Try whether a reduced roll-off at first or an active roll-off over the forefoot feels more comfortable. Depending on the location and type of rheumatic disease, the possible range of motion of the feet and the joints above is very individual. If certain joints are not yet freely mobile due to blockages and stiffness, exercises to increase mobility or physiotherapy are recommended. In the long term, an active roll-off from heel through midfoot to forefoot is desirable.
• Vary your walking pace occasionally — sometimes slower, then a bit brisker. Changing speeds activates different muscle groups and promotes circulation. Better blood flow positively affects inflamed structures and supports joint regeneration.
• Additionally, you can perform simple balance exercises or gentle standing movements—e.g. slight rocking, circling the feet or gentle weight shifts. These small impulses enhance stability, improve body awareness and support connective tissue. This can increase the effectiveness of kybun shoes and reduce the risk of maladaptive postures or protective movements.
• In rheumatic diseases, regular gentle movement is far more effective than rare intense exertions. Preferably use kybun shoes several times a day for short periods. This promotes circulation, reduces stiffness and contributes to the long-term preservation of joint function.