A 2011 study looking at dog walkers found that women were twice as likely to experience a type of post-ambulatory (after walking) hand swelling than men. I don’t own a dog but I am female, so wanted to explore the possible reasons behind this.

Helen O’Leary, physiotherapist and clinical director at Complete Pilates, says: “Hormones play a big role in fluid balance of the body. Some women may find that changes in their hormones related to menstruation or menopause may affect fluid retention which can present as swelling in the limbs, breasts or bloating.”

Browning also explains that the way male and female bodies function when exercising is quite different. “Men have a greater capacity to increase cardiac output (the amount of oxygen-carrying blood pumped by the heart per minute).” He believes this could cut the chances of reduced blood flow to and from men’s hands compared to women’s when exercising.

He adds that Raynaud’s, a condition that causes restricted blood flow to and from the hands in cold weather, and affects up to 10 million people in the UK, is also thought to be more common in females.

Why do my fingers swell when I run? PTs explain the common phenomenon (and what to do about it)