Biography
Alex graduated from the University of Southampton with a BSc(Hons) degree in Podiatry in the summer of 2015, and commenced further study in Podiatric Sports Medicine at Queen Mary’s University of London in 2018.
Since graduating, Alex has gained extensive experience working across the NHS and private sectors, providing high quality and advanced foot care to patients. He has experience in the management of acute diabetic wounds, acute and chronic sporting injuries as well as nail surgery and routine podiatry care. He also works at the London Marathon every year to provide medical care to professional and amateur athletes. Since 2019 Alex has been a senior podiatrist volunteering at Ultra Marathons with Action Challenge — his most recent expedition was to the Sahara Desert where he provided Podiatric Care and advice to participants of the race. In addition, Alex has a wealth of experience working with professional footballers, rugby players and professional stage performers as well as working closely with recreational athletes, and now practices as a Sports and MSK Podiatrist full-time at Pure Sports Medicine’s St Paul’s and Canary Wharf clinics. His main areas of interest are biomechanics and gait analysis, foot orthoses therapy and management of sports injuries.
Alex has had an active involvement in the development and progression of the Royal College of Podiatry. Since his Undergraduate Training, he has volunteered on numerous occasions for filming of educational videos for prospective students as well as fellow professionals and more recently has worked in alliance with Health Education England as an ambassador for Podiatry. Following his volunteering and contributions to the profession Alex was nominated by his peers and awarded dual Fellowships at the Royal College of Physician’s and Surgeons of Glasgow and the Royal College of Podiatry in London.
Over the years, Alex has developed a passion for endurance sport and is a keen Triathlete and cyclist, racing with Thames Turbo Triathlon Club in South West London, and regularly competes in marathons and Ironman distance triathlons himself. This passion has led to a specialist interest in the field of Podiatric Sports Medicine and exercise related injuries.
- Are you a new patient? Book an appointment here
Specialist Interests
Running Injuries, Foot and Ankle, Biomechanics, Orthoses, Bone Stress Injuries, Gait Analysis and Lower Limb Tendinopathy
Sporting Interests
Football, Rugby, Cycling, Triathlon, Cricket and Ultra-distance running
Work Experience
Lead MSK Specialist Podiatrist roles at Healthshare Wandsworth and London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust
Other Experience
Completed PGCert in Podiatric Sports Medicine at Queen Mary’s University London, Member of the Royal College of Podiatry and Member of the Faculty of Podiatric Medicine at the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow and Worked at marathon and ultra-marathon events both in the UK and abroad
Alex’s Services #
Alex’s Locations #
St Paul’s EC4M
Our St Paul’s clinic occupies a prime location on the 1st floor of the One New Change development, convenient to Cannon Street, Mansion House and Blackfriars. Offering both face-to-face and remote consultations.
Canary Wharf E14
Our Canary Wharf clinic is located within Cabot Place in the centre of Canary Wharf, convenient to Greenwich and Blackheath. Offering both face-to-face and remote consultations.
Alex’s Blog Posts #
The Pure Pod Ep. 6 — London Marathon: Preparation and Recovery
As marathon training progresses and race day draws ever closer, alongside your race-day prep you might be starting to consider your recovery plan. Find out the how to be ready for both race day and what comes after.
Boost Your Marathon Training with Compression Socks
Discover how compression socks can revolutionise your running regimen by enhancing circulation, reducing fatigue, and elevating your performance.
Top 10 Health Benefits of Walking
Explore the daily health perks of walking, lose weight, and boost your overall wellbeing. At Pure Sports Medicine, we’re here to help you in reaching your health goals.
5 things to know when taking on an Ironman
Podiatrist, Alex Townsend, was taught five key lessons when taking on his first Ironman, and here he shares his insight to help you get a headstart should you be doing the same.