Stretching and Strengthening Exercises for Lower Limbs Download PDF, 1.79MB, PDF Many lower limb (leg, ankle, foot) problems are related to muscle tightness and overuse of the foot and ankle. Stretching exercises help to lessen muscle tightness and improve joint range of motion (the extent to which the body around a joint can move). Together with other strategies such as the use of appropriate footwear and foot orthoses (shoe inserts prescribed by a podiatrist that correct foot structure, function and motion), stretching can reduce pain and enhance the effectiveness of these strategies. [Please download the PDF file if you are unable to view the image below.]