lou, when i went to the notts pain clinic for my knees they went through everything meds,lifestyle etc.
at that time i was taking meds as required but they explained it was better to take them regularly rather than on an as needed basis as it works better they changed it from a higher dose as needed to a lower dose more often and it worked a treat. over the years the dose has had to increase though but the alternative surgery isnt really an option. as i would lose some movement and mobility and they cant guarentee i would lose all the pain so better the devil you know.