If the injury is severe or if you have persistent knee instability despite other treatments, you would not be suitable to have other alternatives than surgery. However, in most cases, surgery is not required if the injury is not severe. In this case, you have the option to undergo physical therapy. During physical therapy, a therapist will teach you exercises that will help improve your knees function and stability, as well as to make it stronger. You can also take over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers to help relieve pain and reduce swelling.