Arterial ulcers result from an inadequate blood supply, which is almost always caused by atherosclerosis, or fatty plaque build-up in the arteries. Cholesterol or other fatty plaques settle in the arteries, which narrow and harden, resulting in poor blood circulation. Even a small scratch may not heal properly due to the compromised blood supply, and can lead to the development of an ulcer.
Patients often complain of, so called intermittent claudication, back of the leg pain after walking.