Are you using Springtime supplements? They really do make a differnece!
As to pain meds, there are several, though not sure about long term ones. Short term I use ResinallE which your vet has to order from Health Concerns. It is a wonderful pain herb but not suppose to be used more than 30 days.
When they get real bad, I've had several of my seniors on low dose pred. I have been fortunate that all of mine who needed it, tolerated it well.