There appears to be a fairly strong correlation between the development of a Morton's neuroma and forefoot deformities. Lesser toes that are displaced tend to cause backpressure on to the ball of the foot, therefore increasing stress on the nerves between the toes.

Bunion deformities will tend to widen the foot and so can cause increased lateral compression. In a paper by Professor Ugo E. Pazzaglia, the features of a Morton's neuroma were analysed to establish exactly what changes occur within the nerve. As well as identifying the typical fibrosis seen in Morton's neuroma, the authours also noted that in more than two thirds of cases the condition was associated with a cavus (high arched) foot or forefoot deformities.