Most strength and mobility problems do not start where they show up. A tight hip, cranky knee, stiff low back, or weak squat may trace back to the first body part that touches the ground: the foot. The feet and ankles are not just passive bases of support. They are sensory organs, shock absorbers, springs, steering systems, and force transmitters. Every step sends information up to the brain. Every stride asks the ankle to bend, stiffen, rotate, and rebound at the right time.