Limited ankle motion can affect the entire lower body. If your ankle does not move well, your body may compensate through the foot, knee, hip, or lower back. You may notice it during: Squats Lunges Step-downs Running Hiking Skiing Walking downhill Kneeling Stairs Jumping and landing Getting into athletic positions One of the most important ankle movements is dorsiflexion. Dorsiflexion is the motion of bringing the shin forward over the foot or bringing the toes upward toward