Discoloration while the foot is dependent took a long time to subside for me, even as the pain levels improved. In my experience, circulation improved as part of the overall healing process, gradually over the course of many months.

On going barefoot: I stayed barefoot as much as possible to give my foot full proprioception/free movement and am convinced it had a significant positive effect. Even now when I wear shoes, they're all barefoot style (vivobarefoot is a great brand.)

Congrats on the progress