A co-worker woke up tbis morning and her middle finger was swollen and very painful, could this be gout?

Yes if present befor: If there is a history of gout, this could be a further attack. Other causes might be injury, infection, edema. If this is serious or new, her family doctor should be consulted.

Swollen finger: Gout could certainly be a cause of acute painful red swelling around any joint, and is one of the more common causes of acute pain and swelling in a finger joint. Other causes to consider are infection. Sometimes a bacterial germ can get in under the skin through just the slightest nick in the skin. This is the most serious concern. And, of course, trauma or a sprain can do this.

Get checked: Multiple possibilities here, including gout, pseudogout, infection as dr. Kopes-kerr suggested, or more rare inflammatory causes of arthritis. The best way to find out is to have an evaluation by a doctor. A rheumatologist is a specialist in arthritis and autoimmune diseases and may be helpful.