Let’s Talk About Those Hills
If you live in Lake County, you know that Mount Dora isn’t your typical flat Florida town. We have hills, scenic inclines, and beautiful terrain. While that’s part of what makes living here so great, it can be a little surprising for your feet if you aren’t prepared.
At Innovative Foot and Ankle Specialists, I often see patients come in with heel pain or shin splints right after they’ve committed to a new walking routine. Usually, it’s not the walking that’s the problem, it’s the combination of our local terrain and the wrong footwear.
I want you to get out there and enjoy the weather. So, let’s look at our most popular local spots and how you can handle them safely.
My Top 3 Local Trails (And What to Watch Out For)
Not all paths are created equal. Depending on your foot health, some of our local spots might be better for you than others.
1. Palm Island Park
- Where is it? South end of Liberty Ave, Mount Dora.
- The Vibe: A beautiful wooden boardwalk and flat, packed dirt trails right on the water.
- Dr. Tootle’s Advice: This is my top pick for a low-impact walk. It’s mostly level, which is great if you are recovering from an injury or just getting back into exercise. Just be careful on the wooden planks early in the morning, Florida dew makes them slippery! Wear shoes with a good rubber grip.
2. Grantham Point (The Lighthouse) to Gilbert Park
- Where is it? Tremain St, near the Marina.
- The Vibe: Paved paths with significant inclines and declines.
- Dr. Tootle’s Advice: This area is excellent for getting your heart rate up, but walking uphill stretches your calf muscles and pulls on the Achilles tendon. If you have a history of Achilles tendonitis or tight calves, take a few minutes to stretch before you tackle the hill up toward downtown.
3. Trimble Park
- Where is it? Just on the border of Mount Dora and Eustis.
- The Vibe: A mix of shaded nature trails, roots, and grassy areas.
- Dr. Tootle’s Advice: This is a true nature walk. Because the ground is uneven and full of tree roots, balance is key here. If you have "weak ankles," I’d recommend wearing a high-top walking boot or a shoe with extra stability to prevent a sprain.
Choosing the Right Shoes (Without Overcomplicating It)
You don’t need the most expensive shoes on the rack, but you do need the right ones. When patients ask me what to look for, I tell them to do the "Bend Test."
Pick up the shoe and try to fold it in half like a taco.
- If it folds completely in half: Put it back. It’s too flimsy for walking Mount Dora’s hills.
- If it bends only at the toes: That’s what you want.
Also, check the heel. Squeeze the back of the shoe (the heel counter). It should be stiff and firm. If it collapses easily, it won’t support your heel enough to prevent plantar fasciitis.
A Quick Pre-Walk Checklist
Before you head out the door, check these three things to keep your feet happy:
- Watch the Socks: In this Florida humidity, cotton is the enemy. It holds onto sweat, which leads to blisters and Athlete's Foot. Switch to a synthetic blend or moisture-wicking sock.
- Clip Correctly: Make sure your toenails are trimmed straight across. The pressure of walking downhill can jam your toes against the front of your shoe. if your nails are too long or curved, that’s a recipe for an ingrown toenail.
- The "Wall Stretch": Lean against a wall with one leg back and your heel flat on the ground. Hold it for 30 seconds. Loosening up your calves is the best way to handle our elevation changes.
When Should You Call a Podiatrist?
Muscle soreness after a long walk is normal; it means you’re working! But sharp pain is different. If you wake up with stabbing heel pain, experience numbness in your toes, or have ankle swelling that won’t go down with ice, let’s take a look at it.
It’s always easier to treat these things early rather than waiting until you’re limping.
Contact Innovative Foot & Ankle today to learn more about our services. Call 352.562.7590 or email info@innovativefas.com to schedule your consultation. Locations in Mount Dora & Lake Mary.
Moving Forward Together,
This article is not medical advice. It is intended for general informational or educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, diagnosis or treatment. If you think you have a medical emergency, immediately call your physician or dial 911.
