Question
Dear Dr. Brendon J. O`Brien,

I' ve had for several years a clicking big toe with interemitent mild pain after hurting my feet on a wall.

I got used to it and did nothing since I didn't have that much pain but now I ' d like to treat it but I don't know where to start.

I' ve heard Chiropractor could adjust anything also I don't know if I should see an orthopedic surgeon or chiropractor or osteopathe ?

Also I have shoulder impingement, I think it is more swimmer shoulder since I ' ve been swimming since kids but the problem is doing scapular exercices don't seem to provide a relief maybe due to some vicious circle with the exercices causing inflammation as well.
Actually I just feel a slight impingement while doing certain movement like lifting a glass to my mouth.
I heard acupuncture could relieve it but do you have any recommandations ?

I thank in advance for your help and time

Best regards,

Answer
Dear Sherry

Your question did not get answered, so it dropped into a "question pool".  I know that you asked this question about a week ago, but if you give me permission, I would be happy to see if I can give you some insights.

First of all, with the toe. It sounds to me like you might have sustained some substantial trauma to the toe when you hurt your feet on the wall.  It is possible that you fractured a bone in the toe and did not know it. Whether or not you did break a bone int he toe, I believe that your first stop should be to an orthopedic doctor, or maybe a podiatrist.  If it were me, I would probably look for referrals to an excellent podiatrist.  What is important is to get a good diagnosis for the foot/toe, and podiatrists are specialists of the feet.

Now, in regards to the shoulder:  It is possible that you are suffering from a rotator cuff tendon impingement, or rotator tendon tear.  This is sometimes referred to as "swimmer's Shoulder", although you do not have to be a swimmer to have it.  The best thing for this would be a visit to an orthopedic doctor, and probably an MRI of the shoulder to see if there is any damage to the rotator cuff tendon or muscles. An MRI would also help to rule in/out other shoulder problems.

A chiropractor very well might be able to help you with these two problems as well. If you go to a chiropractor first, ask him/her to order an x-ray of the toes and an MRI of the shoulder.  These imaging techniques will help to establish a good diagnosis for both problems. One that is done, appropriate treatment can be recommended.

I hope that this gives you some help!  Merry Christmas!

Keith E. Biggs, DC
http://www.eastmesachiropractor.com
http://www.biggschiropractic.blogspot.com
http://www.therapeuticfoods.blogspot.com