If you have an MCL sprain, some type of brace (I had the DonJoy Playmaker brace) would help support it while healing. I have had severe medial knee pain (much higher than 1 on a scale of 1-10, more like a 7 or 8 all the time), with no meniscus tear, but there still could be soft tissue inflammation or another underlying problem. I would continue to do physical therapy and try modalities to get any type of inflammation out from the initial knee injury. I had what was considered "minor" knee surgery in October, but am still on the long road to recovery, so if you can, I would definitely try to take a non-operative and conservative approach before considering knee surgery. Good luck!