It is likely you are probably experiencing superficial thrombophebitis caused by the infection. Bacterial infection causes inflammation that provokes blood clotting in the superficial vein. The vein become hard, painful and there is redness and increased local temperature on the skin above the vein. The patient may even experience a fever. Superficial thrombophebitis (ST) is not that serious like deep thrombophebitis (also called deep vein thrombosis - DVT). In ST there is a very small risk (1%) for thromboembolia unlike in the case of deep vein thrombosis. Thromboembolia is when a piece of clot separates from the main clot, gets into the circulation and sticks in the lungs causing lung infarct. Sometimes superficial thrombophlebitis can be complicated with deep vein thrombosis after a delay. Ultrasound examination can exclude deep vein thrombosis.
Superficial thrombophlebitis is mainly treated with antibiotics, non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) like aspirin, local anticoagulants, elastic bandages and cold compresses.
Recovery usually lasts 2-6 weeks but the obstructed vein may give you symptoms for months.