I can sure relate to all of these complaints. I haven't tried soaking it yet, but I've managed to get the flakey skin under control by putting lotion on it & then a sock on right away before bed. I also put Bacitracin (antibiotic ointment) rather than lotion on the stiches area, since it isn't fully healed. During the day I keep it wrapped w/coban(sp?) to help control swelling, but at night, I keep it unwrapped & just a sock on to get some air. It then looks pretty good in the morning. My doc said to avoid soaking in anything more than tepid water as too warm or hot water actually will increase the swelling. I know when I get in a warm shower, the combination of the warm water & having my foot down makes my foot is purple & totally swollen after just a few minutes!!

As for the swelling & stiffness, it appears after reading so much on this board that time--a good six months--seems to be the main answer to this problem. It's great to hear what/how all the other bunionites are doing!!

Gimpy1