Locations
Office
Overland Park, KS
Phone
Practice website
About
Bio
David B. Laha, DPM, FACFAS - Biography www.KCFOOT.com
Dr. Laha is a specialist in the medical and surgical treatment of the foot. He has extensive training in reconstructive foot surgery and sports medicine of the lower extremity. He takes pride in providing quality, personal care for his patients.
Dr. Laha is Board Certified by the American Board of Podiatric Surgery. He is a Fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons and the American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine. He has been on the Board of Directors of the Kansas Podiatric Medical Association and a Past President of the Association.
This practice evaluates and treats foot injuries, fractures, bunions, hammertoes, neuromas, ingrown toenails, warts, corns, calluses, flat feet, children's foot problems, diabetic foot problems, tumors, fungal nails, heel pain, and sports medicine injuries of the lower extremity.
Dr. Laha is a specialist in the medical and surgical treatment of the foot. He is recognized by the medical community as a leading provider of foot care in the Kansas City area. His extensive training has made him an expert in reconstructive foot surgery and sports medicine of the lower extremity. Dr Laha's expertise is sought out by other physicians for their patient care, sports teams for the care of their athletes, organizations for lecturing, attorneys for legal council, and local health reporters for information on a variety of foot problems and the latest medical innovations for the treatment of foot problems.
Dr. Laha stays abreast of the latest advances in foot care. It is his goal to provide the best foot care, using the latest medical and surgical techniques, in a compassionate, friendly environment.
Dr. Laha received his medical training at the California College of Podiatric Medicine in San Francisco, California, graduating with honors. He performed his post graduate residency training at Hayward Vesper Hospital in Hayward, California. This program specialized in reconstructive foot surgery. He was the Chief Resident his last year in training.
Dr Laha has been practicing in the Kansas City area since 1985. He is a Kansas native, having been born in Winchester and growing up in Centralia. He attended Kansas Wesleyan University graduating with honors. While in college he played basketball and was an outstanding track and cross country athlete. He was inducted into the Kansas Wesleyan Athletic Hall of Fame in 1997. Dr. Laha is married and has two children.
SpecialtiesDoctors may have more than one area of specialty interest. Board certification in a specialty area means the doctor has completed formal training and has practice experience in that specialty, and has passed the certification examination from the corresponding accredited medical specialty board.
Doctors may have more than one area of specialty interest. Board certification in a specialty area means the doctor has completed formal training and has practice experience in that specialty, and has passed the certification examination from the corresponding accredited medical specialty board.
Podiatry
Doctor Q&A
324 Answers
329 Agrees
The number of answers this doctor has agreed with.
A 31-year-old member asked:

Dr. David Lahaanswered
Podiatry 40 years experience
See a Podiatrist: There is not much you can do to stop the progression of the deformity. There are steps you can take to slow down the progression. Stay in a good, st... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.6k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 43-year-old member asked:

Dr. David Lahaanswered
Podiatry 40 years experience
Is it fluidfilled.: Blisters usually have fluid in them. If it is more callused, it is usually from friction. If it is bothers you and has been chronic, see you foot spec... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 40-year-old member asked:

Dr. David Lahaanswered
Podiatry 40 years experience
See a specialist: Any misalignment or deformity that is concerning or uncomfortable should be evaluated. See your foot specialists. It could be a problem that can easil... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 48-year-old member asked:

Dr. David Lahaanswered
Podiatry 40 years experience
You can't: Bunions are progressive, structural deformities. The deformity only gets worse, they don't get better. You can improve the symptoms with better shoes,... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 18-year-old female asked:

Dr. David Lahaanswered
Podiatry 40 years experience
See your doctor : Would recommend you see your primary care provider or urgent care if concerned. Dr l.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 32-year-old member asked:

Dr. David Lahaanswered
Podiatry 40 years experience
Usually not needed: Usually screws are left in unless they are causing you discomfort or your surgeon has a good reason for doing so. Discuss with your surgeon. Dr L
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 31-year-old member asked:

Dr. David Lahaanswered
Podiatry 40 years experience
Select right surgeon: Bunion surgery success depends on a variety of factors: severity of deformity, quality of the repair and patient compliance. It also depends on the pa... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 34-year-old member asked:

Dr. David Lahaanswered
Podiatry 40 years experience
Ligament injury: You may have damaged the plantar facial ligament. Best treatment in to ice 20min twice a day, good shoes and arch support, no barefoot, no weight bear... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 25-year-old member asked:

Dr. David Lahaanswered
Podiatry 40 years experience
4-6 weeks: Most of the time patients are back into a comfortable shoe in 4 weeks and back to most fitness activities in 10 -12 weeks. A lot depends on damage pr... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 31-year-old member asked:

Dr. David Lahaanswered
Podiatry 40 years experience
Pain and swelling: Usually pain and swelling along with bruising is present. Sometimes deformity, misalignment, is present. Have it evaluated if pain is not improving, d... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 40-year-old member asked:

Dr. David Lahaanswered
Podiatry 40 years experience
Maybe overuse: Swelling can be caused by a variety of problems. Simple treatment consists of rice: rest, ice compression and elevation. Antiinflammatories are helpf... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 32-year-old member asked:

Dr. David Lahaanswered
Podiatry 40 years experience
Contracted toes: Claw toe is a buckling of the toe(s). The toe is in a "c" shape. Sometimes it can be flexible(you can straighten it out). Other times it can be rigid... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 36-year-old member asked:

Dr. David Lahaanswered
Podiatry 40 years experience
Most will work: Most antifungals, if used as instructed, will clear up the fungal infection. My favorite is lamisil, terbinafine. Be consistent. Dr l.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 30-year-old member asked:

Dr. David Lahaanswered
Podiatry 40 years experience
Depends: These symptoms can be caused by a variety of problems. Simple treatment consists of icing 20 min daily, elevation when possible, antiinflammatories as... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 35-year-old member asked:

Dr. David Lahaanswered
Podiatry 40 years experience
Yes/Probably: Any injury to the foot/ankle that causes pain and/or swelling that persists should be professionally evaluated. If it gets better daily and is painfr... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 33-year-old member asked:

Dr. David Lahaanswered
Podiatry 40 years experience
You may: With most fractures of the extremities, some type of immobilization is needed. It may not be a cast. It could be splinting, taping, bracing, special ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 31-year-old member asked:

Dr. David Lahaanswered
Podiatry 40 years experience
Sometimes: Casting for a chipped bone depends on location, alignment, joint involvement and tendon/ligament attachments. Many times a cast is needed to minimize... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 32-year-old member asked:

Dr. David Lahaanswered
Podiatry 40 years experience
Will vary: A simple rule of thumb: for every day you are immobilized (crutches, splint, cast, cast boot, etc), it will take you two days to recover fom the immob... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 39-year-old member asked:

Dr. David Lahaanswered
Podiatry 40 years experience
Get rid of them: Shoes should feel comfortable the first time you try them on. You should break in all shoes gradually as each shoe will make the foot work in a differ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 32-year-old member asked:

Dr. David Lahaanswered
Podiatry 40 years experience
You can't : Bunions are structural deformities secondary to genetics and foot function. Improving foot function with good shoes and supports can help slow down th... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 48-year-old member asked:

Dr. David Lahaanswered
Podiatry 40 years experience
Most likely overuse: Follow the rice principle. Rest, ice, compression and elevation. Stop running until soreness is gone, ice 20 min 1-2 times a day, ace wrap as needed... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 25-year-old member asked:

Dr. David Lahaanswered
Podiatry 40 years experience
Several: A stress fracture is a break/crack in the cortex(shell) of the bone. It can lead to a omplelete fracture if care is not taken to protect the foot fro... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A member asked:

Dr. David Lahaanswered
Podiatry 40 years experience
Treatable: Most of the heel problems are very treatable. See your foot care specialist if problems are limiting your activities. Rest, ice, elevate, limit activi... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 34-year-old member asked:

Dr. David Lahaanswered
Podiatry 40 years experience
APMA.org: There are several good websites. You can visit apma.Org or foothealthfacts.Org. This will get you started. Good luck. Dr l.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 47-year-old member asked:

Dr. David Lahaanswered
Podiatry 40 years experience
Antiinflammatories : Antiinflammatories and ice can help along with good, comfortable shoes. These treatments only treat the symptoms. Surgical correction is necessary to ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 30-year-old member asked:

Dr. David Lahaanswered
Podiatry 40 years experience
Treatments can vary: Bunions are progressive, structural deformities. They only get worse, they don't get better. You can improve the symptoms with better shoes, but you c... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 42-year-old member asked:

Dr. David Lahaanswered
Podiatry 40 years experience
6 weeks normally: Bone usually takes 6 weeks to heal in a normal patient depending on alignment and care. Even though the bone may be healed, you may have soreness for ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 31-year-old member asked:

Dr. David Lahaanswered
Podiatry 40 years experience
Depends: Most broken bones take around 6 weeks to mend. Ususally, there is ligamentous damage in addition that can prolong healing. As a rule of thumb, it wi... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 40-year-old member asked:

Dr. David Lahaanswered
Podiatry 40 years experience
Bony prominence?: One thing to consider is a bone prominence. The first metatarsal cuneiform joint is a common location for an exostosis(bone spurring). This develops ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 48-year-old member asked:

Dr. David Lahaanswered
Podiatry 40 years experience
Depends on the dad: I coached all my kids in several sports. It was fun for me and, at least they say now, it was fun for them. They now appreciate the effort and time co... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 44-year-old member asked:

Dr. David Lahaanswered
Podiatry 40 years experience
See your Podiatrist: First, make sure that your problem is a neuroma. Other problems can present with pain to the ball of the foot. Your podiatrist can give you informatio... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 47-year-old member asked:

Dr. David Lahaanswered
Podiatry 40 years experience
Yes if painful: Bunions are structural deformities. They are a misalignment of the bones mainly due to genetics and foot function. Conservative care consists of good... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 29-year-old member asked:

Dr. David Lahaanswered
Podiatry 40 years experience
No: You can't really avoid getting bunions. Bunions are structural problems due to foot type and function. You can slow down the progression of the defo... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 39-year-old member asked:

Dr. David Lahaanswered
Podiatry 40 years experience
Relief of pain: Most patients will have relief of pain. You will have some numbness to the adjacent toes on the bottom of the foot. You should not have any loss of fu... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 35-year-old member asked:

Dr. David Lahaanswered
Podiatry 40 years experience
See your doctor: If you are unable to see a foot specialists, see your primary care physician. Swelling present for that length of time, usually requires additional i... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 24-year-old member asked:

Dr. David Lahaanswered
Podiatry 40 years experience
Foot surgeon: Podiatric surgeon or an orthopedic surgeon with a foot and ankle fellowship would be the best trained. Talk to your primary care doctor for their rec... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 41-year-old member asked:

Dr. David Lahaanswered
Podiatry 40 years experience
Yes: As a rule, a stiffer, thicker soled shoe with good support and lower heel, is usually the best. Controlling abnormal foot function with help to slow... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 63-year-old member asked:

Dr. David Lahaanswered
Podiatry 40 years experience
Stiff shoes: You may have hallux limitus. This limited movement of the big toe joint can be secondary to abnormal foot function, trauma and/or arthritis. A good st... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 48-year-old member asked:

Dr. David Lahaanswered
Podiatry 40 years experience
Unlikely: May have tendonitis, bone prominence or bursitis. Best to have it evaluated. May need xray for initial evaluation. It not obvious, or if the doctor... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 41-year-old member asked:

Dr. David Lahaanswered
Podiatry 40 years experience
1-3 weeks: Bruising depends on several factors. Follow your doctors directions for best results. Dr l.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 25-year-old member asked:

Dr. David Lahaanswered
Podiatry 40 years experience
Depends: Most broken bones, if uncomplicated, heal around 6 weeks. You will have some prolong soreness/stiffness for several months. See your foot care specia... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 33-year-old member asked:

Dr. David Lahaanswered
Podiatry 40 years experience
Time: Bone normally takes 6 weeks to heal. If internal fixation is used, healing is usually faster. As a rule: for each day you are immobilized( (cast, boo... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 24-year-old member asked:

Dr. David Lahaanswered
Podiatry 40 years experience
Misalignment: If you have misalignment of the toe, most likely it is fractured or dislocated. See your local foot specialist for an evaluation. Failure of treatme... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 31-year-old member asked:

Dr. David Lahaanswered
Podiatry 40 years experience
Depends on symptoms: My recommendation is: if they bother you on a regular basis or... If it limits your activity, then surgery should be considered. Bunions are progressi... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 32-year-old member asked:

Dr. David Lahaanswered
Podiatry 40 years experience
Possible/unusual: Hallux rigidus is severe degenerative changes to the big toe joint. This is uncommon in someone your age. You can have hallux limitus (limitation of... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 34-year-old member asked:

Dr. David Lahaanswered
Podiatry 40 years experience
You can only slow it: Bunions are progressive deformities. Unfortunately, they only get worse, they don't get better. You can improve symptoms and slow down the progression... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 36-year-old member asked:

Dr. David Lahaanswered
Podiatry 40 years experience
Surgery: Surgery is the only way to get rid of the deformity. Have it evaluated. Check out acfas.Org to find a foot surgeon. Dr l.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 37-year-old member asked:

Dr. David Lahaanswered
Podiatry 40 years experience
Around 6 weeks: Normal bone healing take around 6 weeks. This depends on many factors: alignment of fracture, age, health, type of fracture and treatment. There is ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 31-year-old member asked:

Dr. David Lahaanswered
Podiatry 40 years experience
May help: A variety of problems can cause pain in and around the arch. A good place to start is good shoes and extra arch support. Avoid thin soled flimsy sho... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 31-year-old member asked:

Dr. David Lahaanswered
Podiatry 40 years experience
Depends on severity: There are multiple factors that determine how complicated this surgery could for you. Severity of the deformity, medical conditions, weight and your c... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
TestimonialsRecommendations and Thank you notes are endorsements given from patients or other doctors.
Recommendations and Thank you notes are endorsements given from patients or other doctors.
3
Recommendations
512
Thank you notes
HealthTap member
Mar 30, 2015
Dr. Laha is an amazing doctor! #nationaldoctorsday2015 #virtualflower1
HealthTap member
Mar 31, 2015
Dr. Laha is an amazing doctor! #nationaldoctorsday2015 #virtualflower1
HealthTap member
Jun 11, 2012
Good, thanks!
HealthTap member
Thank you for answering my question! It is very nice when doctors tell you that if it is not normal then you should seek rather than telling me that theres not a lot they can do for a broken toe. I k...Read More
HealthTap member
Thanks for answering my question. i think -for some reason- it may be a foreign body. but yes , i guess i have to see a podiatrist
HealthTap member
Thank you, your answer was very helpful! I have since seen a GP and it is cellulitis and I have antibiotics
Education & Training
Medical/Graduate school
California College of Podiatric Medicine
Graduated 1983MD
Awards
Fellow American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons
Fellow American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine
Most Influential, Second Place, Kansas City, MO - Winter
2013
Affiliations
American Podiatric Medical Association
american board of foo
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