What is restless leg syndrome?

Why Restless Leg Syndrome Needs a New Approach

Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) affects millions of Americans—yet is often misdiagnosed or overlooked. Characterized by an uncontrollable urge to move the legs, especially at night, RLS can significantly impact sleep, mood, and overall quality of life.

At Patients Medical in New York City, we believe your symptoms are not random—they are messages. Our integrative approach combines conventional, holistic, and functional medicine to uncover and address the root causes of your RLS, not just suppress the symptoms.

What Is Restless Leg Syndrome?

Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS), also known as Willis-Ekbom Disease, is a neurological condition marked by uncomfortable sensations in the legs and an irresistible urge to move them. Symptoms typically worsen at night and improve with movement, often interfering with sleep.

Key Features of RLS:
  • Uncomfortable leg sensations (tingling, crawling, aching, or burning)
  • Strong urge to move legs, especially when resting or lying down
  • Symptoms worsen in the evening or at night
  • Temporary relief with movement
  • Sleep disturbances, fatigue, or daytime drowsiness

RLS can range from mild to severe and may be idiopathic (primary) or linked to another condition (secondary).

Common Symptoms of RLS

Root Causes: Why Do You Have Restless Leg Syndrome?

Conventional treatments often focus on symptom suppression. In contrast, functional medicine asks: Why is this happening? RLS may stem from a variety of interconnected causes:

Common Root Causes Include:
  • Iron deficiency or low ferritin levels
  • Dopamine dysregulation
  • Magnesium or vitamin B12 deficiency
  • Chronic stress and elevated cortisol
  • Peripheral neuropathy
  • Thyroid or adrenal dysfunction
  • Poor circulation or varicose veins
  • Leaky gut and inflammation
  • Toxin accumulation (heavy metals, mold, etc.)
  • Side effects from certain medications

Our goal is to identify your unique triggers and build a personalized treatment plan that promotes long-term relief.

Diagnostic Testing We Use

We use advanced diagnostic tools to uncover the biological and biochemical contributors to RLS:

Iron studies (serum ferritin, transferrin saturation)

Vitamin and mineral levels (B12, magnesium, folate, D)

Thyroid and adrenal hormone panels

Neurotransmitter testing (dopamine, serotonin, GABA)

Inflammatory markers (CRP, homocysteine)

Toxic metal screening (mercury, lead, arsenic)

Comprehensive stool and gut microbiome testing

Sleep studies (if symptoms are severe)

Integrative Treatments for RLS

Nutritional Therapy

We design anti-inflammatory, nutrient-dense diets to support brain health, circulation, and neurotransmitter balance:

  • Iron-rich foods (grass-fed meat, spinach, lentils)
  • Magnesium- and B12-rich foods (nuts, seeds, leafy greens)
  • Gluten-free or elimination diets to reduce inflammation

Balanced blood sugar to avoid nighttime symptom flares

Herbal & Nutraceutical Support

Supplement recommendations may include:

  • Magnesium glycinate or malate
  • Iron (if deficient), paired with vitamin C
  • Vitamin B12 and folate
  • Dopamine-supporting herbs (mucuna pruriens)
  • CBD or valerian root for sleep support
  • L-theanine and GABA for relaxation

All supplementation is customized based on lab results and closely monitored.

IV Vitamin Therapy

For those with absorption issues or severe deficiencies, we offer:

  • Magnesium infusions
  • B-complex and B12 IVs
  • Iron IV therapy (in specific cases)
  • Glutathione drips for detoxification

Acupuncture & Stress Reduction

RLS is often worsened by stress and nervous system dysregulation. We offer:

  • Acupuncture for nerve health and circulation
  • Meditation and guided breathwork

Adaptogenic herbs (ashwagandha, rhodiola) to balance cortisol

Hormone and Thyroid Balancing

We assess and support:

  • Thyroid function (especially in hypothyroid or Hashimoto’s patients)
  • Cortisol rhythm
  • Estrogen/testosterone imbalances that may influence neurotransmitter activity

Real Case Study: Daniel’s Journey to Restful Nights

Daniel, age 47, struggled with leg tingling and night-time restlessness for over five years. He was prescribed dopamine agonists but experienced side effects and worsening symptoms.

Testing revealed:

  • Low ferritin (18 ng/mL)
  • B12 deficiency
  • Mild hypothyroidism
  • Gut dysbiosis and poor magnesium absorption

We implemented:

  • IV iron and B12 therapy
  • A gluten- and dairy-free diet
  • Magnesium glycinate supplementation
  • Probiotics and a gut repair protocol
  • Stress management with acupuncture and meditation

Within three months, Daniel reported 90% improvement in symptoms and was sleeping soundly for the first time in years.

Testimonials

Frequently Asked Questions

In many cases, yes. By addressing nutritional deficiencies, stress, and hormonal imbalances, patients often find lasting relief without medications.

 RLS symptoms worsen in the evening due to circadian changes in dopamine, cortisol, and circulation. Stress, poor sleep hygiene, and low iron may also contribute.

 If low ferritin is present, iron supplementation (oral or IV) can significantly reduce symptoms. Always supplement under medical guidance.

 RLS is primarily neurological but often influenced by circulation, inflammation, and nutrient status.

 Sugar, caffeine, alcohol, and gluten may worsen symptoms in sensitive individuals. Processed foods can also increase inflammation.

 Not always. Many patients improve through diet, supplements, stress reduction, and integrative therapies. Medications may be used temporarily or when natural strategies fall short.

 Yes. RLS is associated with iron deficiency, kidney disease, hypothyroidism, diabetes, and pregnancy.

 Absolutely. Poor sleep from RLS can lead to anxiety, depression, and cognitive issues.

 Functional medicine investigates root causes—nutritional, hormonal, neurological—and offers individualized, whole-body healing, not just symptom suppression.

We are an out-of-network provider, but we provide superbills for insurance reimbursement. Many lab tests may be partially covered.

Begin Your Journey with Patients Medical

Patients Medical specializes in gently helping the patient identify the root cause of their medical issues and then assist them to recover from their problems to help them move forward to good health.

Request your consultation today!

To schedule an in person on Tele-medicine appointment, please call our office at (212) 794-8800 or email us at info@PatientsMedical.com We look forward to hearing from you

Our medical center in New York City.

Patients Medical PC
1148 Fifth Avenue, Suite 1B New York, NY 10128

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