torn maniscus- right knee

Twisted knee in late July. 2 weeks PT in Oct resulted in free of pain except when I walk beyond a block or drive and hit brake or shift.
MRI in Oct now shows torn maniscus and arthritis. I have yet to see report, but I believe MD said inner edge.most of my pain is on outerside at back of knee only rarely in top/front. Arthritis Foundation Mag. indicates surgery not always happy outcome, and my relatives who have had knee surgeries aren’t happy. Are there any known alternatives to surgery for this?