What do the paresthesias/dysesthesias associated with rls usually feel like? are they uncomfortable or are they truly painful?

Strange: These symptoms may or may not be present in restless legs syndrome. A dysesthesia is perception of pain from a stimulus that should not ordinarily cause pain. Parenthesis is a prickling, tingling or numbing sensation. Rls in true form is the inordinate and uncontrollable feeling of the need to move an extremity to relieve any number of "stange" sensation or movement. Dr. J.

Could be both: They have been described as both. If they are really significantly painful there may be something else going on like circulation issue or neuropathy.