big toe swelled and red

My boyfriend's big toe has swelled up and gotten red. It is on the top between the joint and his nail. Everyone is telling him to drink cherry juice and eat cherries because it is gout. Could it be just an infection or does it sound more like gout? It has been like this for 3 days now. He says it isn't burning or tingling but it is painful.

Hi,
Generally in that area of the foot you may see gout or an infection. If there is no opening in the skin in the immediate area and the pain and redness came on for no apparent reason, then I would think gout. Read my section on gout for suggestions on how to treat it.
If it is gout your boyfriend would be wise to try and avoid recurrences
Marc Mitnick DPM