I recently and very suddenly got a burning pain down the outside of my foot from ankle to toe. Can't walk without serious pain. There's also a small swelling (a bump) on the side of the foot. Any help out there?

Sure - call your doctor or clinic. You asked this under Senior Health, so that could mean just about anything, from mild to serious. Meanwhile keep your feet elevated as much as you can, but don't stay in one position for more than about an hour. Get up and move around the house too. Try soaking that foot in a big bowl of warm water. If you are allowed Tylenol and or Ibuprofin, take one or two (I take one of each).

It very well could be gout. Time to make that appointment with your doctor for a proper diagnosis.