Surgery on Posterior Tibial Tendon?

Christine, sorry for your problem. The total rehab time is dependent upon a few factors. How good of shape you are in as this will help your recovery. How dedicated you are to your rehab. Do you follow the orders given to you? In most cases you are going to be off the foot for somewhere between 6 to 8 weeks. During this time you may have changes in your weight bearing status depending upon what the surgeon feels the tendon can take. Once you are able to have sufficient healing they will start you in physical therapy. The object there is to regain full range of motion and strength. The stronger that you can get the foot the faster you will be up and walking without problems. Right now there is nothing that you can directly do for that foot. There is something that you can do indirectly. That is to start to work the muscles of the left ankle. There is a reflex in the body that allows for what is called a crossover effect. That means that the side that has the most strength will transfer some strength over to the weaker side. In your case that is great news. By working the left ankle and foot the right will gain strength without having to do any work. That will speed up your recovery time. Depending on how your foot is progressing the doctor may allow you to return to work but not to stress the area. If you are able to do that it could be a quick return. If that is not possible then it might be some months but somewhere in the 2 to 3 month area.