Restless Leg Syndrome

Restless Leg Syndrome

Introduction: Why RLS Needs More Than Medication

Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) affects 10% of Americans, yet most are told to “just live with it.” At Patients Medical in NYC, we uncover the hidden triggers behind your symptoms—from nutrient deficiencies to nervous system imbalances—and create personalized plans to calm your legs and restore deep sleep.

We treat the whole nervous system, not just your symptoms.

What Is Restless Leg Syndrome?

RLS is a neurological sensorimotor disorder characterized by:

  • Urges to move legs (often with crawling/tingling sensations)
  • Worsening at night or during rest
  • Temporary relief with movement

Types of RLS:

  • Primary RLS: Often genetic, with no underlying condition.
  • Secondary RLS: Linked to iron deficiency, pregnancy, kidney disease, or neuropathy.
Restless Leg Syndrome

Common Symptoms of RLS

Root Causes: Why Do Your Legs Restless?

Functional medicine identifies why your nervous system misfires:

  • Iron Deficiency: Low ferritin (even without anemia) disrupts dopamine production.
  • Dopamine Imbalance: This neurotransmitter regulates muscle movements.
  • Magnesium/Electrolyte Deficiencies: Affect nerve signaling.
  • Gut-Brain Axis Dysfunction: Leaky gut triggers systemic inflammation.
  • Toxin Overload: Heavy metals (lead, mercury) impair nerve function.
  • Chronic Stress: Depletes calming neurotransmitters (GABA, serotonin).

Advanced Diagnostic Testing

We use cutting-edge labs to pinpoint your RLS triggers:

Ferritin & Iron Studies (optimal ferritin >75 ng/mL for RLS)

Dopamine & Neurotransmitter Testing

Magnesium RBC & Electrolyte Panels

Heavy Metal Toxicity Screening

Gut Health Analysis (stool microbiome, zonulin for leaky gut)

Sleep Study (to rule out PLMD or sleep apnea)

Integrative Treatments for RLS

Targeted Nutrient Therapy

  • IV Iron Infusions (if oral iron isn’t absorbed)
  • Magnesium Glycinate & Malate (calms nerve excitability)
  • Methylated B Vitamins (supports dopamine production)

Dopamine Support

  • Mucuna Pruriens (natural L-DOPA source)
  • Acupuncture (balances nervous system)
  • Low-Dose Naltrexone (LDN) (modulates immune-neuro response)

Gut-Brain Healing

  • Probiotics & Gut Repair Protocols (reduce inflammation)
  • Food Sensitivity Testing (gluten/dairy often worsen RLS)

Sleep Optimization

  • Herbal Nervines (valerian, passionflower)
  • Temperature Therapy (leg wraps or warm baths)

Detox & Stress Reduction

  • Glutathione IVs (supports heavy metal detox)
  • Adaptogens (ashwagandha for cortisol balance)
  •  

Case Study: James’s RLS Recovery

James, 47, suffered 15 years of severe RLS, relying on dopamine drugs with diminishing returns. Our testing revealed:

  • Ferritin of 12 ng/mL (severe deficiency)
  • Leaky gut & gluten sensitivity
  • Mercury toxicity

After 4 months of treatment (iron IVs, gut healing, detox):

  • 90% reduction in symptoms
  • Off all medications
  • Restored deep sleep

Testimonials

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Yes—when root causes (iron deficiency, gut issues) are addressed.

Both involve dopamine dysfunction, but RLS doesn’t cause Parkinson’s. Testing clarifies risks.

  • We use them short-term while fixing underlying imbalances to avoid augmentation.

We provide superbills for reimbursement. Many labs (ferritin, magnesium) are 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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