Yes, squats can help strengthen your ankles, although their primary focus is on the muscles of the lower body, such as the quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes.
During a squat, several muscles around the ankle, including the calf muscles (gastrocnemius and soleus) and the muscles in the feet, are activated to stabilize and balance your body.
Squats require coordination and control, which engages the stabilizing muscles and ligaments around the ankle joint. This helps improve overall joint stability.
Performing squats, especially on different surfaces or with variations like single-leg squats, enhances proprioception (your body’s ability to sense its position), which is critical for ankle stability.
Lastly, squats promote ankle dorsiflexion (the movement of bringing the toes closer to the shin), which can improve flexibility and range of motion in the ankle joint.