The people most at risk of developing tarsal tunnel syndrome are those who have a structural abnormality in the foot, like flat feet or weak ankles prone to injuries. Flat feet can be present at birth or acquired over time. Another high-risk group is people who have jobs that require a lot of standing or walking and people who do a lot of jogging or other foot-pounding activities. These activities place excessive pressure on the ankle and foot, as does being overweight or obese. Other risk factors include diseases like arthritis, diabetes, and heart disease because they cause swelling in the lower extremities.