Lesson 1Acute management (first 72 hours): PRICE vs POLICE, analgesia options, when to use immobilization or controlled ROMCovers evidence-based acute care in the first 72 hours, comparing PRICE and POLICE protocols, suitable pain relief, reasons for immobilization versus early controlled movement, and guidelines for protected weight bearing in 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 documentationOutlines step-by-step on-field handling of suspected ankle inversion injuries, including scene safety, assessment, safe removal from play, choices for immobilization and weight-bearing, initial records, and liaison with coaching staff.
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 managementDetails team prevention of ankle sprains using balance and proprioception exercises, external supports, taping and bracing methods, footwear choices, and load management suited to soccer training and match demands in Namibia.
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 involvementSpecifies when to refer for specialist or surgical advice, covering chronic instability, repeated sprains, large avulsion fractures, syndesmotic injuries, osteochondral lesions, and conservative care failure in competitive 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 clinical features and grading of lateral ankle sprains I–III, including injury mechanism, pain sites, swelling, bruising, laxity, and functional limits, aiding accurate diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment in soccer players.
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 compromiseHighlights red flags for fracture or high-risk injury, including Ottawa Ankle Rules, obvious deformity, no weight bearing, ongoing instability, intense pain, and neurovascular issues needing urgent 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 templatesFocuses on effective talks with players and coaches, explaining diagnosis, outlook, return-to-play timelines, recurrence risks, joint decisions, and standard documentation and reporting formats.
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 bones, ligaments, tendons, and neurovascular parts of the lateral ankle, highlighting ATFL, CFL, PTFL, peroneal tendons, their stability roles, common injury types, and rehab implications.
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, plyometricsDetails phased rehab from acute protection to full performance, blending range-of-motion recovery, proprioceptive training, strength building, plyometrics, and soccer drills while tracking 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 ratiosDescribes objective return-to-play criteria post ankle sprain, covering hop and Y-Balance tests, strength standards, limb symmetry, and sport-specific drills for safe progression 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 imaging after ankle inversion, using Ottawa Rules for X-ray, weight-bearing views, and MRI or ultrasound for ligaments, tendons, cartilage, and hidden fractures.
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 tendernessEmphasises key ankle tests like anterior drawer, talar tilt, palpation of ATFL, CFL, bones, swelling, motion range, and recording findings for management.
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 forcesExamines soccer-specific inversion sprain causes like header landings, cutting, tackling, opponent contact, surface factors, linking forces to tissue damage patterns.
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
