Jenn, I feel for ya girl. I'm going through the same thing right now. I have bunions and a hypermobile first joint, and I pronate. Except, instead of my feet falling in, I overcompensate and walk on the outside of my feet putting a ton of pressure on my foot and shins. My insurance denied as well, and my podiatrist quoted me $750 for a pair of orthodics which doesn't include the cost of 3 office visits!

I called a specialty shoe store an hour away who did my stride analysis and found out they are a preferred provider for a different insurance company for orthodics. They only charge $250 a pair! Now I just need to wait until he's healed from back surgery and the plantars warts on my feet that are being treated heal (ya wouldn't believe the pain I was in yesterday - and no alcohol in the house!).

I also bought some OTC orthodics. Since my problem comes from the hypermobile first ray and the bunion on that joint, OTC ones won't really help. They don't support that joint, just the arch and heel of the foot. But I thought I'd try it and see if it relieved any pain. Anyway, what I'm trying to tell you is make some calls on the orthodics to find a cheaper solution. I feel for you on the pain side - I am registered for a duathlon on May 5th and I haven't run in 3 weeks! Right now the best I can do is hobble. But all we can do is the best we can do, right? Good luck and keep us posted.