Why Your Ankles Might Be Behind Your Knee Pain on the Slopes

If your knees feel sore, unstable, or overworked after a day on the slopes, the problem may not actually start at the knees.

Many skiers and snowboarders are surprised to learn that ankle mobility plays a huge role in how the knees handle impact, turns, and long days in boots. Ankles are the first major joints locked into your equipment, and when they don’t move well, stress travels upward through the body. That extra demand often lands squarely on the knees.

The video attached walks through a simple ankle mobility self-check used to determine whether your ankles have the flexibility, strength, and control needed for downhill sports. This type of assessment helps reveal whether limited ankle motion could be contributing to knee strain, fatigue, or discomfort on the mountain.

Why does this matter? When ankle mobility is restricted, your body has to compensate. Instead of movement being evenly distributed, other joints take on more load than they’re designed for — especially the knees. Over time, this can increase soreness, limit performance, and raise the risk of injury.

Understanding how your ankles function gives you valuable insight into how prepared your body is for skiing or snowboarding. It’s not just about strength; it’s about how well each joint in the chain works together to absorb force and maintain control.

If knee discomfort has been holding you back, this video is a great starting point. It can help you better understand what your body is doing — and why your knees may be working overtime.

Click the video below to learn more and keep your knees in check this season.