Height Anxiety: Concerns About Growth and Joint Health

Height issues

Hello, Doctor.
First, I would like to express my gratitude and respect for you, thanking you for sacrificing your precious time to care for patients.
I know my question may be a bit tricky and bothersome, but it has caused me significant distress in my life.
I have always been diligent in my studies, but this concern has started to affect my daily life.
I have consulted many doctors in real life, but they often become impatient and even suggest I see a psychiatrist.
However, I believe my issue is quite straightforward: I really want to understand the process of human growth in height, and I am very anxious about the possibility of growing taller.
I am currently 27 years old and 162 cm tall, and I have always felt that I am too tall.
My ideal height is 155 cm.
I know many people say my height is just fine and not tall at all, but I believe everyone has different preferences.
Since childhood, I have wished to be a petite and charming girl.
Being over 160 cm has made me feel self-conscious about my height for over a decade, and I have been very worried about growing taller (this is a genuine anxiety).
I often become so anxious that I can't sleep.
A few years ago, I had a full-body X-ray taken and asked the doctor to confirm that all my growth plates had closed, which put my mind at ease.

However, a new question has recently arisen that continues to disrupt my life: will the cartilage between my joints continue to thicken? Specifically, I am concerned about the cartilage in my spinal joints and knee joints.
Even a thickness increase of 0.1 mm frightens me.
I have asked several doctors, and they all said it wouldn't happen, but they couldn't explain why and showed signs of impatience.
I think they do not understand how fearful I am about this issue, so I wanted to clearly express my concerns here before consulting a doctor, as I believe that would be more appropriate.

So, I would like to ask how to confirm that the cartilage in the joints has fully developed.
Does the complete development of the hard bone mean that the cartilage will no longer thicken? I understand that cartilage thickness can vary throughout the day due to changes in hydration, but I mainly want to know at what age the cartilage itself is confirmed to no longer thicken (regardless of hydration effects).
I truly appreciate your patience in dealing with such a challenging patient.
Thank you very much, Doctor!

Cindy, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/08/11

Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics

The thickness of cartilage in adults is generally fixed after it has fully formed and does not increase further.
However, with aging, it may undergo wear and gradually become slightly thinner.

Reply Date: 2017/08/11

More Info

Thank you for your kind words and for sharing your concerns with me. It's clear that your anxiety about your height and the growth process has significantly impacted your life, and I appreciate your openness in discussing such a personal issue.
First, let’s address your primary concern regarding height and joint health. At 27 years old, you are well past the typical age for growth plate closure, which usually occurs in late adolescence. The growth plates, or epiphyseal plates, are areas of developing cartilage tissue near the ends of long bones. Once these plates close, which can be confirmed through X-rays, further height increase is not possible. You mentioned that you had an X-ray done a few years ago, and it confirmed that your growth plates were closed. This is a strong indication that you will not grow taller.

Regarding your concern about cartilage thickness, it’s important to understand that while cartilage can change in response to various factors, including hydration and mechanical stress, the fundamental structure of cartilage does not continue to grow in the same way that bones do after growth plates have closed. Cartilage does not have the same regenerative capacity as other tissues, and while it can thicken slightly due to certain conditions or activities, significant growth is not expected after skeletal maturity.

To answer your question about how to confirm that joint cartilage has fully developed, there is no specific age at which cartilage is guaranteed to stop changing. However, the closure of growth plates is a reliable indicator that the bones and associated cartilage have reached their mature state. The cartilage itself can undergo changes due to wear and tear, injury, or conditions like osteoarthritis, but these changes are typically not related to growth in height.

Your anxiety about your height and the perception of being "too tall" is understandable, especially since societal standards and personal preferences can greatly influence how we feel about ourselves. It's important to recognize that self-esteem and body image issues can be addressed through various means, including therapy, which can help you process these feelings and develop a healthier self-image.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is particularly effective for anxiety and can help you challenge and reframe negative thoughts about your height. Additionally, relaxation techniques, mindfulness, and stress management strategies can be beneficial in reducing anxiety levels. Engaging in activities that promote self-acceptance and self-love can also be helpful.

If you find that your anxiety continues to interfere with your daily life, it may be beneficial to seek support from a mental health professional who can provide you with tailored strategies to cope with your feelings. Remember, it’s okay to seek help, and addressing these concerns can lead to a more fulfilling life.

In summary, based on your age and the closure of your growth plates, you should not be concerned about further height increase or significant changes in joint cartilage thickness. Your feelings about your height are valid, and seeking support to address these feelings can be a positive step forward. Thank you for trusting me with your concerns, and I wish you the best on your journey towards understanding and acceptance.

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