Lesson 1Acute management (first 72 hours): PRICE vs POLICE, pain relief options, when to use splint or controlled movementExplains proven immediate care in first 72 hours, comparing PRICE and POLICE, right pain relief, when to splint versus start 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-pitch immediate management protocols: safe removal, splint options, and record keepingGives step-by-step on-pitch handling of suspected ankle inversion injuries, covering pitch safety, checks, safe removal from game, splinting and weight decisions, first records, 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 drills, external supports/taping methods, boots and load controlCovers team prevention of ankle sprains with balance and proprioception exercises, braces, taping methods, boot choices, and load management suited to football training and match needs.
Designing balance and proprioception circuitsProgressive single-leg stability trainingTaping techniques for lateral ankle supportBrace selection and fitting for soccerFootwear, surfaces, and load monitoringLesson 4Signs for specialist referral or surgery: ongoing instability, big bone chips, syndesmosis issuesExplains when to send for specialist or surgery advice, like ongoing instability, repeated sprains, big bone chips, syndesmosis injuries, bone damage, and failed non-surgical care in top 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 signs and grading of side ankle sprains (I–III): symptoms, signs, and movement limitsDescribes signs and grading of side ankle sprains I–III, including how it happens, pain spot, swelling, bruising, looseness, and movement limits, to aid proper diagnosis, outlook, and treatment for 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 6Danger signs for fracture or serious injury: Ottawa Ankle Rules, ongoing instability, nerve/blood vessel issuesPoints out danger signs for fracture or serious injury, like Ottawa Ankle Rules, clear deformity, no weight bearing, ongoing instability, 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 7Talking with coaching team and player: giving outlook, return timelines, record templatesCovers good communication with players and coaches, explaining diagnosis, outlook, return-to-pitch timelines, repeat risk, joint decisions, and standard record and report templates.
Explaining diagnosis in clear languageDiscussing prognosis and RTP timelinesManaging expectations with coachesShared decision making and consentInjury reports and RTP documentationLesson 8Anatomy of side ankle: ligaments, bones, tendons, and nerve/blood structuresReviews bones, ligaments, tendons, and nerve/blood parts of side ankle, focusing on ATFL, CFL, PTFL, peroneal tendons, their stability roles, common injury types, and exam/rehab effects.
Bony anatomy of ankle and hindfootATFL, CFL, and PTFL structure and rolesPeroneal tendons and dynamic stabilizersRetinacula and joint capsule supportNeurovascular structures at riskLesson 9Rehab phases for ankle sprain: movement range, balance sense, building strength, jumpsOutlines rehab phases from immediate protection to full play, mixing movement recovery, balance retraining, strength building, jumps, and football drills while watching pain, swelling, function.
Acute phase goals and protection strategiesRestoring dorsiflexion and plantarflexion ROMProgressive strengthening and endurance workProprioception and dynamic balance retrainingPlyometrics and soccer-specific reconditioningLesson 10Functional tests and clear rules for return to training and matches: hop tests, Y-Balance, strength matchesExplains clear return-to-play rules after ankle inversion sprain, like hop and Y-Balance tests, strength targets, side symmetry, 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 11First scans and diagnosis choices: when for X-ray, weight-bearing films, and MRI or ultrasoundGuides scan choices after ankle inversion injury, using Ottawa Ankle Rules for X-ray, weight-bearing films, and when for MRI or ultrasound to check 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 moves for ankle: front drawer, talar tilt, pressing ATFL/CFL/bone tendernessFocuses on main ankle exam moves, like front drawer and talar tilt tests, pressing ATFL, CFL, bones, swelling and movement check, and recording findings for ongoing 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 13How inversion sprains happen in football: landing, tackles, twisting forcesLooks at football-specific inversion sprain causes, like headers landing, sharp turns, tackles, opponent hits, pitch factors, linking forces to common 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
