How To Get Relief From Swollen Foot?

A friend has a very swollen foot that is white. The big toe has bothered him before. Earlier in the week his hand was doing funny things -- pain in the little finger one day, then another finger on the right hand that was really red and painful, from the final tip to the first joint. He has tried wearing support hose (put it on this morning), but the foot continued to swell. Now he is trying elevating the foot, but he has not gotten relief. Any ideas?