Gardentherapy

I had a mid foot fusion (1st and 2nd metatarsols) 8 weeks ago. At 3 weeks post surgery I had a nasty fall and thought I did damage. I had x-rays at 6 weeks and was relieved to hear that I didn't damage the fusion or hardware. However, the doctor thinks that I developed gout in the big toe as a result of the fall and said to take Aleve and indicated that I should be pain free from when I go back in 4 weeks. He told me to start weight bearing at 7 weeks post op and to take a week to get to full weight bearing which I did. I can walk as long as I have the hard boot on but I seem to be walking on the side of my foot because the gout tenderness. My question is... Is it normal to have pain and swelling when you start weight bearing? Is it better to baby the tenderness or put the weight on the foot and deal with the pain? Any tips for getting to full weight bearing with minimal problems would be appreciated.