It sounds like it could well be gout. Especially if the pain is intense and comes and goes. But the only way to be sure is for a Doctor to take some synovial fluids from the area in question. An anti-inflammatory injection is likely to help, although not completely stop the pain.
I suppose its about time I joined a local doctors, I have been here 16 odd years now
Cheers for the heads-up
'Seems that I was busy doing something close to nothing
But different than the day before'
'Met a dwarf that was no good, dressed like Little Red Riding Hood'
'Now you're unemployed, all non-void
Walkin' round like you're Pretty Boy Floyd'