Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.
1
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911
Get emergency help if you have:
A painful swollen leg together with chest pain, faintness, or breathlessness
Sudden severe limb pain with pale or bluish, cold, or numb skin
Severe muscle pain or weakness with dark brown or cola-coloured urine
Cramping during heat exposure with confusion, collapse, or very hot skin
Sudden weakness on one side, facial drooping, or trouble speaking
Other emergency signs, for anyone
Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
2
Is any of this happening?
Be seen today
Seek same-day medical advice if one leg becomes newly swollen, warm, red or discoloured, and painful.
These symptoms need assessment because they can occur with a blood clot or infection rather than an ordinary cramp.
A cramp that lasts unusually long or repeatedly returns with severe vomiting, diarrhoea, or signs of dehydration also needs prompt medical advice.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Arrange a routine appointment if cramps are frequent, are becoming more painful, regularly disturb sleep, or do not improve with simple measures.
You should also book an appointment if they began after starting or changing a medicine, or if you have ongoing numbness, muscle weakness, weight loss, or difficulty walking.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Muscle cramps. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.