Periostitis

Periostitis mainly affects athletes. Joggers and athletes participating in sports such as soccer, volleyball or hockey are at particular risk of developing the condition on the shins. However, the inflammation may also affect the elbows, wrists, knees or heels.

kybun (referring to both the kyBoot shoes and kyBounder mats) can promote healing of periostitis. The soft, elastic material dampens the impact of hard surfaces. This reduces pain and the periosteum can recover.
After rehabilitation, kybun is the best way to prevent a relapse and it is ideal for regeneration and/or to balance more intense sports training.

Definition

Periostitis is an inflammation of the periosteum.

The periosteum is a connective tissue membrane that covers virtually the entire bone surface area. With periostitis this membrane becomes inflamed. Since the periosteum contains numerous nerves in addition to blood and lymph vessels, such an inflammation is usually relatively painful.

Causes

Periostitis can be caused by pathogenic organisms (e.g. bacteria) or by mechanical factors such as excessive strain or repeated impact. Periostitis caused by excessive strain during sports mainly occurs on the medial side of the shins or on the underside of the forearms. Possible triggers include:

• Too intensive or excessive training
• Changing training conditions, e.g. a different floor covering
• Changing the technique
• Unsuitable shoes or insoles
• Foot malpositions

Periostitis may also be caused by a bacterial infection with Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus or Mycobacterius tuberculosis – especially in persons with a weakened immune system – in conjunction with osteomyelitis.

Consequences

In addition to pain, the possible symptoms of periostitis also include swelling of the affected area. Limited mobility is also a common symptom.

Periostitis can be very protracted. In some cases it takes several months before the pain goes away entirely. Even after being free of symptoms for an extended period of time, the pain may suddenly return. This is particularly the case when sports training is taken up again too soon.

Conventional therapy

When excessive strain is the cause, treatment includes immobilisation (i. e. tape binding), anti-inflammatory medications and local cooling.

Antibiotic infusions are the treatment of choice in case of a bacterial infection.

The kybun principle of operation – being proactive

• The soft, elastic material of the kyBoot and kyBounder dampens the impact of hard floors. You can walk and stand again with less pain and may even be entirely free of pain. Thanks to light activity with kybun, your periosteum can recover and the injury can heal.
• Since the foot can move freely in all directions, circulation is improved, especially in the foot and the lower leg. This promotes healing since inflammatory substances can be transported away more easily and the supply of nutrition to the periosteum is improved.
• With kybun, you train the core, stabilizing muscles of the feet and legs. This improves stabilization and coordination in the joints. It is the best way to prevent renewed inflammation.
• In case of an acquired foot malposition (e.g. skew/flat foot), you can train the stabilizing foot musculature in the kyBoot/on the kyBounder, thereby actively counteracting the malposition. It is highly likely that the periostitis will be alleviated as soon as your feet are stronger and passive twisting is reduced. Read more under ‘Foot malpositions’.

Initial reactions

Specific initial reactions with periostitis

Since the kybun material is soft and elastic, you may feel unstable with lateral/medial rolling of the ankle joint on the material in the beginning. This gets better after you have time to get used to it! It is important to take your time and make corrections if you notice lateral/medial rolling of the ankle joint on the sole/springy mat.
If you are suffering from acute pain on the periosteum of the shin, it is often difficult for the muscular tissue of the lower leg to respond quickly (this is a protective mechanism of the body). As a result, you may feel unstable in the kyBoot. In such cases, we advise using the kyBounder as long as you are in acute pain. For further tips, please read more under ‘Application tips’.

Click here for the general initial reactions experienced by kyBounder and kyBoot beginners: Initial reactions

kybun exercises

For information about the special kyBoot exercises or the basic kyBounder exercises , please click here: kybun exercises

Application tips

• Since pain may vary, kyBoot training should always be adapted to the user’s condition each day. It is important for the affected individual to find out over time how much kybun training is helpful and when it is time for a break. On some days, it may well be that only short and gentle kyBoot training is required (or even skipping a day), while walking longer distances in the kyBoot may be possible on other days.
  There should never be increased pain after kyBoot training/walking (dosage!).
  This is of particular importance with all inflammatory diseases! With regular walking in the kyBoot, the body will adjust over time (stronger muscular and connective tissue, more stable joints). Complaints/initial reactions will occur less quickly and frequently.
• More helpful tips:
• If you feel pain in the kyBoot or on the kyBounder, or if your existing pain gets worse, this may be due to various reasons (e.g. an unfamiliar, more upright posture, tense muscles, movements that are unfamiliar for the body).
• We advise you to perform the kybun exercises regularly every now and again. They loosen the muscles and straighten the body. This relieves strain on the joints. As a result, the pain should decrease after a few hours or days.
  Choose the kybun exercises that are good for you! Some customers prefer easier movements while others find the more intensive exercises helpful; this is highly individual.
• Choose a kyBoot shoe with the slightly wider second generation sole. It provides you with greater midfoot stability. Ask your kybun dealer to show you the various models.
• If you feel unstable wearing the kyBoot or are looking for an additional training device to use at home, the kyBounder is the ideal alternative. You can strengthen the foot, leg and back musculature at home on the soft, elastic springy mat. You can hold on to a fixed object if you feel unstable. The kyBounder is also available in a choice of different thicknesses (the thicker, the more intensive the training). Ask your local kybun dealer for advice.
• If you get very fatigued in spite of the kybun exercises, or if you feel pain or in case of lateral/medial rolling of the ankle joint on the kybun sole, we advise you to take a short kyBoot/kyBounder break until the symptoms go away.
• Be sure to maintain an upright posture, avoid taking excessively long steps and keep your gaze forward (do not look at the floor). You should walk straight on the kyBoot sole and correct any lateral/medial rolling of the ankle joint!