Dr. Lawrence J Leventhal M.D.

Being diagnosed with a lifelong, chronic illness can affect more than just individual life. Being diagnosed at a young age means all long-term decisions must be filtered through new realities. While this is true for anyone, it can be that much more difficult for those that must learn to cope with...

Jordan Elizabeth Henegar, crowned Miss Teen Tennessee US, was diagnosed with JRA at 15 months.Her mother, Sheri Henager, realized that something was wrong when her daughter stopped walking. Today, Jordan is a senior at Oak Ridge High School, a cheerleader at her school, and a member of the Oak Ridge...

Psoriatic arthritis is a type of inflammation affecting any joint in the body. It occurs in about 15% of patients who have psoriasis. The symptoms of psoriatic arthritis vary from person-to-person.Psoriatic arthritis typically appears in people between the ages 30 years old and 50 years old, but it...

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the joints. This situation creates inflammation that causes the tissue lining the inside of joints to thicken, resulting in swelling and pain in and around the joints.Rheumatoid arthritis is a...

While suicide is universally viewed as a massive problem that needs to be prevented, many don't realize that it is not only mental illnesses that can trigger this type of action. For those dealing with rheumatoid arthritis, suicide attempts are now at a higher rate than ever seen previously.Too much...

Fibromyalgia is a chronic health condition characterized by widespread pain and fatigue. Other symptoms include sleep disturbances, memory problems, sensitivity to touch, depression, overactive bladder, and irritable bowel syndrome. The pain, chronic tiredness, and other symptoms can have a major...