A lot of squat problems start farther down the chain than people expect. If the ankle will not move, the rest of the pattern compensates.
That is why calf work matters even if the goal is really better squats or less cranky knees.
Keep the goal practical
You are not chasing circus flexibility. You are trying to remove one limiter from training.
- Use a stretch board for slow holds when ankles feel stuck.
- Add light calf and shin movement after the holds so the new range feels usable.
- Re-test the squat or step-up right away so you can feel the difference.