Lesson 1Acute management (first 72 hours): PRICE vs POLICE, analgesia options, when to use immobilization or controlled ROMCovers proven acute care in the first 72 hours, comparing PRICE and POLICE, right pain relief, when to immobilise versus start gentle movement, and rules for protected weight bearing 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 inversion injuries, including safety first, checking, safe removal from play, splinting and weight-bearing choices, first notes, and chatting 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 managementLooks at team prevention of ankle sprains with balance and position sense drills, braces, taping methods, boot choices, and managing training load to fit soccer practice 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 4Indications for specialist referral or surgical consideration: chronic instability, large avulsion fractures, syndesmotic involvementSpells out when to send for specialist or surgery advice, like ongoing wobble, repeat sprains, big bone chips, syndesmosis damage, cartilage issues, or failed non-surgical 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 limitationsDescribes signs and grading of side ankle sprains grade I to III, covering how it happens, pain spot, swelling, bruising, looseness, and daily limits to aid spot-on diagnosis, outlook, and plan for soccer folks.
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 injury, like Ottawa Ankle Rules, big deformity, can't take weight, 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 templatesDeals with clear chats with players and coaches, explaining injury, outlook, back-to-play times, 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 structuresGoes over bones, ligaments, tendons, and nerve/blood parts of the outer ankle, key on ATFL, CFL, PTFL, peroneal tendons, their stability role, common hurts, 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 out rehab stages from early protection to full play, mixing motion return, position sense training, building strength, jumps, and soccer 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 testing and objective criteria for return to training and competition: hop tests, Y-Balance, strength ratiosExplains clear back-to-play rules post ankle sprain, with hop and Y-Balance tests, strength goals, side-to-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 scan choices after ankle twist, using Ottawa Rules for X-ray, standing films, 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 tendernessSpotlights main ankle tests like front drawer, tilt test, feeling ATFL, CFL, bones, swelling check, motion range, and noting for follow-up 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 sprain causes like heading landings, cuts, tackles, bumps, pitch issues, 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
