Alan Cawthorne is the Senior Podiatry Specialist in the team, and a member of the HCPC (Health and Care Professions Council)
He's also a member of the 'Institute of Podiatry', graduating in 2012 from the Durham School of Podiatry with a BSc (Hons) in Podiatry. HCPC registration number: CH32731.
He established Footman Podiatry in September 2012 and has been practicing podiatry consistently since then running his private clinics, with a specialist interest in Biomechanical / Musculo-skeletal issues (foot pain).
He's also worked for the NHS at North Tees and Hartlepool as a Band 6 Podiatrist covering routine care, Nail Surgery and Biomechanic clinics.
Then a Band 7 Biomechanics Specialist for the Ministry of Defence, looking after the Army, Navy & RAF in the Catterick rehabilitation centre.
Sharon Cawthorne
Acupuncturist
Sharon Cawthorne is our fully qualified and licensed acupuncturist, having completed three years of full-time training at the Northern College of Acupuncture in York, graduating with both a Diploma and BSc (Hons) Degree in Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine from the University of Central Lancashire.
She has over 17 years of clinical experience, with additional practitioner training in MSK and pain management, auricular acupuncture, digestive issues, stress and anxiety, Saam 5 element acupuncture, and Master Tung acupuncture.
Additionally, she holds a diploma in Acupressure Massage, and Cupping Therapy.
Sharon has a solid background in technology over a 20 year career in IT for world-class organisations delivering multi billion pound projects. So it's safe to say that Sharon knows how to deliver excellence in service.
We also have the Operations Manager who's key responsibility is to oversee and manage the day-to-day operations of The Podiatry & Gait Clinic. Our operations manager ensures everything run smoothly and efficiently in the background, while also achieving strategic goals and meeting customer expectations.
The Podiatry & Gait Clinic also has a marketing team who looks after website and social media communications. They ensure emails and messages are responded to, and ultimately responsible for building the Podiatry & Gait Clinic's brand.
Do we enjoy working with feet?
Many people ask do we enjoy our job, and why so we want to work with feet and now with the Acupuncturist on board, other parts of the body?
First of all, we really do enjoy our jobs as it is very rewarding to see people have comfort put back into their feet, ease pain and regain life. Secondly, we work with people, not just feet. You have to listen to what the patient is telling you and look at the person as a whole. Having said that, the body starts at the feet and works up over, so if the feet aren't functioning correctly, the body will be trying to compensate through a different part of the body which could result in knee, hip, or even lower back pain!
The History
We've all had careers working in many different industries and a large variety of job roles. Alan Cawthorne was an advanced computer engineer for nearly 20 years and he stills uses his computer skills in many aspects of running the clinics, especially in the technology of biomechanical assessments.
Hobbies
Outside of work we all have lives, we enjoy walking in the countryside, traveling, sci-fi, movies and martial arts.
We are all dog owners so our faithful companions are very important to us.
When Sharon isn't in clinic, she also works as a professional actor, appearing on TV, Radio and Theatre Productions. Our patients love hearing about Sharon's latest performances, and they are thrilled to spot her playing the various roles.
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After having a really bad experience with a chiropodist a few weeks ago (very painful procedure, unprofessional and left with more issues with nails that I'd never had problems with before), I approached Sharon and Alan for expert advice and to book an appointment as I'd been left really quite upset by the other firm I saw previously. Sharon was incredible on the phone and immediately put my mind at ease!!! She understood my pain sensitivity due to my stage 4 endometriosis and raynauds and gave me great advice on how to deal with the painful nail until I could see Alan. I actually cried once I put the phone down because it was just lovely to speak to a professional that understood why I'd felt so upset by the other experience! I then saw Alan today and he was incredible!! Gave me so much great advice, sorted my nail (painless...and anyone who knows me knows that I struggle with toes and nails due to very bad sensitivity!!) and gave me things to do to ease my plantar fasciitis which flares due to my daily exercise and dancing. I had no idea my feet turn at 90° rather than 45° of most people! This was causing the hard skin on outer edge of toes. Me and my husband found it all extremely informative and actually really interesting!! We're planning to return to go for the 3d scanning to get personalised insoles at some point. Alan and Sharon, I honestly cannot thank you enough for restoring my faith!! Thank you both so much xx
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Jenny Dowling
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I have only been a few times to see Alan but I feel looked after. The time spent there is very pleasant. The surroundings make me feel relaxed. Thank you xx
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Sonia Rodgers
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I finally got round to seeing a professional about a stubborn foot problem and so glad I did. I was given a diagnosis and I'm optimistic on the plan going forward. Very friendly, informative and offered good advice. I have no immediate need to return but if I have any problems in the future, I would deffinately return. Thank you.
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Greg Dick
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Alan provided a thorough and very professional assessment using the latest scanning and analysing technology. I left with a clear diagnosis and a set of prescription orthotics on order. An excellent friendly service. Thank you.
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Brian Laking
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This was a very good experience could ask any questions and got answers that we could understand showed us what was happening and what was wrong but took time to explane everything they did and where very kind and welcoming put us at ease thank you
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Karen James
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Made to feel very welcome and relaxed as explained treatment in detail, made to feel at ease too, would recommend, thankyou Alan, see you next time thanks
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Paula M
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I had a great experience at the Podiatry & Gait Clinic in Middlesbrough. The team is incredibly professional, welcoming, and knowledgeable. From the moment I walked in, I felt at ease — everything was clearly explained.
The podiatrist took the time to assess foot and help with an issue.
It’s clear that they genuinely care about their patients and go above and beyond to make sure you leave feeling better and more confident. I’d highly recommend this clinic to anyone dealing with foot, sports injuries, or looking for expert advice. Highly recommend!
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Anna Kitching
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After researching several Podiatrist’s and having negative experiences we decided to choose Footman. This experience was 5 star with the most caring and compassionate staff. The knowledge of their profession was excellent and everything was explained properly. If you are a nervous / anxious patient then there is no need to worry about using this service. We would recommend to anyone and certainly the business deserves 5 stars. One happy patient one happy toe.
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