It only really get that bright red after a hot shower. Some days when I wake up its a normal color, and swelling is low especially after wearing the tape.

I had a couple of days last week where it was pretty normal and didn't even need to wrap the rape on one day and slept without it. Then is seemed to get a bit worse again for no reason and it's a little red and swollen most of the time.

Over the months, on average, I think it's come down a bit. It doesn't immediately balloon up after the shower anymore but just goes bright red. It's definitely inconsistent. I slept without the tape 3 nights ago and it was swelling without the red color (felt hard to touch), standing up immediately softened it. Weird.

If I walk for more than a few minutes (I'm still cautious while walking because it starts to hurt - maybe some soft tissue damage) it can swell up more and burn and itch. Alcohol seems to exacerbate this too.