I have a small area on the top of my big toe that is inflamed and painful - what could it be?

See a doctor: It could be a small ganglion or a wart being irritated by the shoe. With description of pain, see a doctor.

It could be: A bursitis, a tendonitis - you can try icing it and avoiding tight shoes and take an anti-inflammatory. This is something that if you actually go to a foot doctor they would know likely right away what it is and help get you out of your pain more rapidly.

Gout: Bone spur, infection, arthritis , bursitis, and tendonitis. As you can see there are many things that can cause your pain. If the pain persists go to your podiatrist.