Lesson 1Acute management (first 72 hours): PRICE vs POLICE, analgesia options, when to use immobilization or controlled ROMLooks at proven first 72-hour care for ankle injuries, comparing PRICE and POLICE, right pain relief, when to brace up or start gentle movement, and rules for safe weight bearing on Zambian pitches for 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 on-pitch handling for suspected ankle twists, covering safety first, checks, safe exit from play, bracing choices, weight decisions, first notes, and chats with coaches.
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 managementDeals with team prevention of ankle sprains using balance drills, body awareness training, braces, taping methods, boot choices, and managing workload for Zambian soccer training and matches.
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 involvementSpells out when to send for expert or surgery views, like ongoing wobbles, repeat twists, big bone chips, syndesmosis issues, cartilage damage, or failed basic care in top Zambian 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 grade I to III, including how it happens, pain spots, swelling, bruises, looseness, and limits on play, to aid diagnosis, outlook, and plans for Zambian 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 compromisePoints out danger signs for breaks or serious harm, like Ottawa Ankle Rules, big bends, no weight bearing, lasting shakes, 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 templatesCovers good chats with players and coaches, explaining diagnosis, outlook, back-to-play times, repeat risk, joint decisions, and standard note templates for Zambian teams.
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, tendons, and nerve-blood parts, focusing on ATFL, CFL, PTFL, outer tendons, their stability roles, common hurts, and rehab tips.
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 out rehab stages from first protection to full play, mixing motion recovery, balance retraining, building strength step-by-step, jumps, and football drills while watching pain, puffiness, and ability.
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 back-to-play tests post ankle twist, like hop and Y-Balance, strength goals, side balance checks, and game drills to safely ramp up 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-rays, standing films, and when MRI or scan helps check bands, tendons, cartilage, and 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 tendernessSpotlights main ankle checks, like front pull and tilt tests, feeling ATFL, CFL, bones, swelling, motion range, and noting 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 13Mechanisms of inversion sprain specific to soccer: landing, contact, and inversion forcesLooks at football twist causes, like header lands, cuts, tackles, bumps, pitch factors, tying forces to usual tissue damage.
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
