Lesson 1Acute management (first 72 hours): PRICE vs POLICE, analgesia options, when to use immobilization or controlled ROMCovers proven first aid in the first 72 hours, comparing PRICE and POLICE, right pain relief, when to use splints versus early gentle movement, and rules for partial weight bearing in football 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 pitch-side handling of suspected ankle twists, including safety checks, assessment, safe removal from play, splinting and weight decisions, initial notes, and talking with coaching team.
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 sprains using balance drills, supports, taping and bracing, boot choices, and workload plans suited to football training and matches in Kenya.
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 involvementExplains when to send for specialist or surgery advice, like ongoing wobbliness, repeated sprains, big bone chips, syndesmosis issues, cartilage damage, and failed non-surgical care in competitive footballers.
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 limitationsDescribes signs and grading of side ankle sprains I–III, including how it happens, pain spots, swelling, bruising, looseness, and movement limits, to aid diagnosis, outlook, and treatment in footballers.
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 serious injuries, using Ottawa Ankle Rules, big swelling, no weight bearing, ongoing wobble, bad pain, and nerve/blood issues needing quick referral.
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 templatesCovers clear talks with players and coaches, explaining diagnosis, outlook, return-to-pitch timelines, repeat risk, joint decisions, and standard note templates.
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 structuresReviews side ankle bones, ligaments, tendons, and nerve/blood parts, focusing on ATFL, CFL, PTFL, peroneal tendons, their stability roles, common injuries, and 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, plyometricsOutlines rehab stages from first protection to full play, mixing movement recovery, balance training, strength build-up, jumps, and football drills while watching pain, swelling, and function.
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 ratiosExplains clear return-to-play tests post ankle twist, like hop and Y-Balance, strength goals, side balance, and football 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 scan choices after ankle twist, using Ottawa Rules for X-ray, standing views, and when MRI or ultrasound checks ligaments, tendons, 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 tendernessKey ankle tests like front drawer, tilt, pressing ATFL, CFL, bones, swelling and movement checks, noting 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 football twist causes like header landings, cuts, tackles, bumps, pitch factors, linking forces to injury 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
