Can You Still Grow Taller If Wrist Growth Plates Are Closed?

Growth plate issues

If the growth plate in the wrist has already closed, but the growth plate in the knees has not, is there still a chance for further height increase?

A-Wen, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/12/30

Dr. Hong Ximing reply Orthopedics

If the growth plates in the knees have not yet closed, theoretically, there should still be an opportunity for growth in height.

Reply Date: 2017/12/30

More Info

The question of whether you can still grow taller if your wrist growth plates are closed while your knee growth plates remain open is a nuanced one. To understand this better, we need to delve into the role of growth plates in height development and the factors that influence growth.

Growth plates, also known as epiphyseal plates, are areas of developing cartilage tissue located at the ends of long bones. They are responsible for the lengthening of bones during childhood and adolescence. In general, growth plates close after puberty, which marks the end of height increase. For most individuals, this closure occurs around the ages of 16 to 18 for females and 18 to 21 for males, although this can vary based on genetics and other factors.

In your case, if your wrist growth plates are closed but your knee growth plates are still open, there is still a possibility for some height increase. The knee growth plates, particularly those in the femur (thigh bone) and tibia (shin bone), play a significant role in determining overall height. If these growth plates are still active, you may have the potential to grow taller, albeit the amount of growth may be limited compared to earlier years.

It's important to note that the closure of growth plates is not uniform across all bones. Different bones can close at different times, and this variability can lead to situations where some bones have completed their growth while others have not. Therefore, even if your wrist growth plates are closed, the open growth plates in your knees could still allow for some additional height.

Regarding your question about exercises like hanging from a pull-up bar, while such activities can improve posture and spinal alignment, they do not directly influence bone growth or the closure of growth plates. Hanging may help decompress the spine temporarily, which can make you feel taller, but it won't change your actual height in terms of bone lengthening.
As for the observation that some individuals experience height increases later in life, such as during military service or after having children, this can often be attributed to factors like improved posture, spinal decompression, or even weight loss, rather than actual bone growth. In some cases, individuals may also experience slight increases in height due to changes in intervertebral disc hydration and compression, which can occur with physical activity or changes in body weight.

In conclusion, while you may still have the potential to grow taller if your knee growth plates are open, the extent of that growth may be limited. It's essential to maintain a healthy lifestyle, including proper nutrition and regular exercise, to support your overall growth and development. If you have concerns about your growth or development, consulting with a healthcare professional or an endocrinologist can provide personalized insights and guidance.

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