Lesson 1Acute management (first 72 hours): PRICE vs POLICE, analgesia options, when to use immobilization or controlled ROMCovers proven acute care in first 72 hours, comparing PRICE and POLICE, right pain relief, when to immobilise or start gentle movement, and safe weight bearing rules for soccer players.
PRICE versus POLICE principlesCryotherapy, compression, and elevation useAnalgesia and anti-inflammatory optionsIndications for immobilization devicesEarly controlled ROM and weight bearingLesson 2On-field immediate management protocols: safe removal, immobilization options, and documentationGives step-by-step on-pitch handling of suspected ankle twists, covering safety first, checks, safe exit from game, bracing choices, weight decisions, first notes, and coach updates.
Primary survey and scene safetyRapid ankle assessment on the fieldCriteria for assisted or stretcher removalOn-field immobilization and supportInitial documentation and handover notesLesson 3Prevention strategies for teams: balance/proprioception programs, external supports/taping protocols, footwear and load managementLooks at team prevention of ankle twists with balance drills, position sense training, braces, taping methods, shoe picks, and workload plans fit for Eritrean soccer training and games.
Designing balance and proprioception circuitsProgressive single-leg stability trainingTaping techniques for lateral ankle supportBrace selection and fitting for soccerFootwear, surfaces, and load monitoringLesson 4Indications for specialist referral or surgical consideration: chronic instability, large avulsion fractures, syndesmotic involvementSets out when to send for expert or surgery view, like ongoing wobble, repeat twists, big bone chips, joint band damage, cartilage harm, or failed basic care in top soccer players.
Indicators of chronic ankle instabilityLarge avulsion fractures and loose bodiesSuspected syndesmotic or high ankle injuryOsteochondral lesions and cartilage damageFailure of rehab and return-to-play issuesLesson 5Clinical presentation and grading of lateral ankle sprains (I–III): signs, symptoms, and functional limitationsExplains signs and grades of side ankle twists I-III, covering how it happens, pain spots, swelling, marks, looseness, and daily limits to aid right diagnosis and plans for soccer folk.
Typical history and injury mechanismsGrade I clinical signs and functionGrade II clinical signs and functionGrade III clinical signs and functionFunctional impact on soccer performanceLesson 6Red flags indicating fracture or high-risk injury: Ottawa Ankle Rules, persistent instability, neurovascular compromiseSpots danger signs for breaks or bad injuries, using Ottawa checks, big bends, no weight bearing, lasting shake, bad pain, and nerve-blood issues needing quick specialist send-off.
Key elements of Ottawa Ankle RulesSigns of fracture and gross deformityInability to bear weight or severe painNeurovascular assessment and compromiseUrgent referral and emergency pathwaysLesson 7Communication with coaching staff and player: delivering prognosis, RTP timelines, documentation templatesHandles clear talks with players and coaches, explaining injury, outlook, play return times, repeat risk, joint choices, and standard note and report forms.
Explaining diagnosis in clear languageDiscussing prognosis and RTP timelinesManaging expectations with coachesShared decision making and consentInjury reports and RTP documentationLesson 8Anatomy of the lateral ankle: ligaments, bones, tendons, and neurovascular structuresGoes over side ankle bones, bands, sinews, and nerve-blood parts, key on front and back bands, outer sinews, their steady role, common harms, and exam-rehab links.
Bony anatomy of ankle and hindfootATFL, CFL, and PTFL structure and rolesPeroneal tendons and dynamic stabilizersRetinacula and joint capsule supportNeurovascular structures at riskLesson 9Rehabilitation phases for ankle sprain: range-of-motion, proprioception, progressive strength, plyometricsMaps rehab stages from first protect to full play, mixing motion return, sense retrain, step strength, jumps, and soccer drills while watching pain, puff, and work.
Acute phase goals and protection strategiesRestoring dorsiflexion and plantarflexion ROMProgressive strengthening and endurance workProprioception and dynamic balance retrainingPlyometrics and soccer-specific reconditioningLesson 10Functional testing and objective criteria for return to training and competition: hop tests, Y-Balance, strength ratiosSets clear play return tests post ankle twist, with hop and Y-balance, strength marks, side match, and game drills for safe step-up to training and matches.
Single and triple hop test protocolsY-Balance test setup and scoringIsokinetic and handheld dynamometry useLimb symmetry index thresholds for RTPSoccer-specific functional field testsLesson 11Initial imaging and diagnostic choices: indications for X-ray, weight-bearing radiographs, and when to order MRI or ultrasoundGuides first scans post ankle twist, Ottawa for X-ray, stand scans, and when MRI or sound wave for bands, sinews, cartilage, hidden breaks.
Applying Ottawa Ankle Rules for X-rayWhen to request weight-bearing radiographsMRI indications for ligament and cartilageUltrasound for ligaments and tendonsTiming and sequencing of imaging testsLesson 12Physical exam maneuvers for ankle: anterior drawer, talar tilt, palpation for ATFL/CFL/Osseous tendernessKeys on ankle exam moves, front pull and tilt tests, feel for front-back bands and bone sore spots, puff and motion check, and note findings for care.
Inspection, swelling, and deformity checkPalpation of ATFL, CFL, and malleoliAnterior drawer test technique and gradingTalar tilt test performance and meaningAssessing ROM and strength at the ankleLesson 13Mechanisms of inversion sprain specific to soccer: landing, contact, and inversion forcesLooks at soccer twist causes, like head ball land, cuts, tackles, bumps, ground slips, tying force to harm types.
Non-contact cutting and pivoting injuriesLanding from jumps and aerial duelsContact injuries from tackles and collisionsRole of playing surface and weatherFootwear, studs, and traction mechanics
