Evidence-Based Integrative Ayurvedic Management of Amavata (Rheumatoid Arthritis) Triggered by Post-COVID-19 Infection through a Novel Medicated Water Therapy – A Clinical Case Report

Background

Post-COVID-19 autoimmune complications, particularly rheumatoid arthritis (RA), represent emerging clinical challenges. Amavata, the Ayurvedic correlate of RA, arises from Ama and vitiated Vata dosha. Conventional disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) carry long-term risks, necessitating integrative therapeutic alternatives. Case Presentation: A 41-year-old female bank cashier presented with a 4.5-year history of bilateral symmetrical joint pain and swelling involving metacarpophalangeal (MCP), proximal interphalangeal (PIP), and ankle joints, developing six months after confirmed COVID-19 infection (April 2020). Symptoms included morning stiffness (30–60 minutes), chronic fatigue, disturbed sleep, and gastrointestinal complaints. Laboratory investigations confirmed seropositive RA: rheumatoid factor 45.2 IU/ml, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) 112 mm/hr, and C-reactive protein (CRP) 6.90 mg/L.