big toe pain, but not gout (I think)

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About 12 years ago I woke one morning, threw my feet out of bed, and was greatly surprised by the pain in my right foot's big toe.

I hadn't hurt the foot the days prior. Couldn't understand how I could go to sleep feeling great and wake up the next day in such pain.

Sick call didn't help, was given aspirin and no specific diagnosis except "it's not gout." Months later, when the pain had still not gone away, I was given a profile to stop running. Ran a little anyway when the pain and swelling reduced somewhat. (I was in the Army, and didn't like the idea of not being a full participant in all our activities.)

Over the years since then, the pain went away completely unless I walked too much. Too much would be about a mile.

Am writing now because the pain and swelling have returned, and I can't get rid of it. Ice helps but it lasts only a few hours.

Symptoms: Big toe joint is swollen. Slight bump on side of joint. Hurts more when I start my walk, seems to get a little better after a few minutes but pain never goes away. Am compensating for the pain by walking on the side of my foot.

Am male, 64, in good health otherwise (take no medications), not overweight, and I exercise regularly. My job requires no walking except for the long walk from the parking lot.

Aside from ice and ibuprofen, which aren't working, what else could I try?

Thanks.