FCEM2-1070

You evaluate a 62-year-old man with a painful swollen left big toe. The pain began this morning and is described as the most severe pain he has ever experienced. It has progressively worsened over the past 8 hours. He is unable to wear socks or shoes and had to come to the appointment in open-toe sandals. The skin over the affected area appears red and shiny.

His only significant medical history is hypertension, which has been challenging to control. He is currently prescribed amlodipine 10 mg and ramipril 10 mg daily for this condition and is awaiting a medication review for his antihypertensive treatment. His blood pressure reading today is 165/94 mmHg.

What is the MOST appropriate next step in managing his condition?