Lately, the area at the top of my right foot throbs. It is the joint bone on the outside of my big toe.

Possibly gout. Foot doctor can determine if it is gout or not and treat with meds based on his examination and testing, whether it is gout or something else.
If it is gout it is beneficial to know for sure because there are drugs available to help lessen the chances of getting it again, and diets that will help prevent it. I am prone to it and have gone as much as 8 years between attacks by limiting certain foods and taking meds. But in my case it is worse (much more painful)each time it recurs and it always leave damage behind according to my Dr.