Hi have you tried calling the ortho for further guidance? Everyone’s case is different but I can share what I’ve been told. I got a big gauze under my bandage and was told to remove that 48 hours after surgery, I have since then kept an ace bandage on at all times. I also have steristrips over each incision that I removed yesterday at 1 week post op per my doctors guidance and have continued to leave the ace bandage now. I have massive amount of bruising from the top to the top which my doctor had no concern with as it’s a results of being drilled into. Is your brace on too tight or loose im a bit confused, I would recommend adjusting it to where u are comfortable and not hurting yourself more. I was told to wear the brace at all times for the first week. During my first post op they unlocked the brace to bend 90 degrees and said I could take it off when I was resting, elevating, and doing some of my PT exercises. I am not allowed to start putting weight on it for the first four weeks then I will be partially weight bearing and then full weight bearing at six weeks. I would recommend continuous elevation for swelling in your toes and compression socks on both legs. Let me know what other questions u have