Thank you for sharing your trip report as well as outlining how much food/water you used. That is helpful information.
I'm a big advocate of using trekking poles if you aren't habitually hiking big days without poles. One reason is that I have also noticed that my hands have less swelling when using poles.
I've always assumed that was due to both gravity and centrifugal force. I've also assumed that when one's hands are low at their side, it allows gravity to let blood pool in your hands. I figured the centrifugal force of swinging arms added to that. When I use poles my forearms stay perpendicular to the ground and both factors mitigate how swollen my hands get.
In addition to keeping hands from swelling as much, you are more stable, burn more calories, and just have a bit more margin for error.
I'm glad y'all made some tea at the top too. That seems like a nice treat for such a splendid spot.
