Can I Still Grow Taller at 17? Growth Plate Closure

I am not sure if I can still grow taller?

Dear Doctor: I recently had an X-ray of my hand to check if the growth plates have fused.
Today, I reviewed the report, and the doctor mentioned that the growth plates in my fingers have closed, but there is still a slight gap in my wrist.
He said I am in the late stage and can only grow an additional 0.5 to 1 cm.
I am currently 17 years old and would like to ask if it is true that I can only grow an additional 0.5 to 1 cm? If I jump rope, drink milk, and go to bed early every day before my wrist bones fuse, is it possible for me to exceed 1 cm?

Zhi Zhi, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/05/02

Dr. Li Yongheng reply Orthopedics

Hello, based on your situation, the fingers have fully closed, but there is still a slight gap in the wrist, so your potential for height increase is limited.
However, before the wrist bones fully close, you still have a chance to grow over 1 cm by jumping rope daily, drinking milk, and going to bed early.
Keep it up and stay consistent!

Reply Date: 2018/05/02

More Info

At the age of 17, the potential for further height growth largely depends on the status of your growth plates, also known as epiphyseal plates. These plates are areas of developing cartilage tissue located at the ends of long bones, and they play a crucial role in bone growth. Once these growth plates close, which typically occurs after puberty, the bones can no longer grow in length, and thus, height growth ceases.

From your description, it seems that your doctor has indicated that the growth plates in your fingers have closed, while there is still some space in your wrist growth plates. This suggests that you may still have a small window for growth, but it is likely limited. The closure of growth plates varies from person to person and can be influenced by genetics, nutrition, and overall health.

In general, most males experience their peak growth spurts during puberty, which can last until the late teens. By the age of 17, many individuals are nearing the end of their growth period. While it is possible to gain an additional 0.5 to 1 cm in height, as your doctor mentioned, this is often the last phase of growth for many individuals.
Engaging in activities like jumping rope, consuming a balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D (such as drinking milk), and ensuring adequate sleep can support overall health and may contribute to maximizing your growth potential. However, it is important to understand that these factors may not significantly alter your height if your growth plates are nearing closure.
Genetics plays a significant role in determining your final height. If your parents are of shorter stature, it is likely that your growth potential may also be limited. While exercise and nutrition are important for overall health and can help you reach your genetic potential, they cannot change your genetic predisposition.

In summary, while you may have a small chance of growing an additional 0.5 to 1 cm, it is essential to manage your expectations. Continue to maintain a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise, a nutritious diet, and sufficient sleep, as these habits are beneficial for your overall well-being. However, it is unlikely that you will experience significant height increases beyond what your doctor has advised. If you have further concerns about your growth or health, consider consulting with an endocrinologist or a specialist in adolescent medicine for more personalized advice.

Similar Q&A

Can You Still Grow Taller at 21? Tips and Insights on Height and Orthopedic Health

At 21 years old and with a height of 170 cm, you may still have a chance to grow taller, but it largely depends on whether your growth plates have closed. Growth plates, or epiphyseal plates, are areas of developing cartilage tissue near the ends of long bones, and they typically...

Dr. Lin Gengxiao reply Orthopedics
1. Generally, the growth plates in males are fused by the age of 21, so the chance of natural height increase is no longer present. 2. Reports indicate that surgical procedures for height increase carry associated risks and require individual assessment in an outpatient setting...

Can You Still Grow Taller After Growth Plate Closure at 21?

When I was 20 years old, I had an examination of my growth plates, and there was only a small amount left, about the size of a sesame seed. Now that I am 21, is there still a chance for me to grow taller? I've heard many people say that males may not completely close their g...

Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics
After the age of 15-16, the growth plates in males will close. Once the growth plates are closed, it is not possible to grow taller, and medications or calcium supplementation will not have any effect.

Can I Still Grow Taller at 17? Understanding Growth Plates and Height

I am currently 17 years old and have been playing basketball almost every day for the past two years, but my height growth has been very slow. I was 173 cm at 15 years old and now I am 177 cm at 17. I am growing about 1 to 2 cm each year. I've heard that height growth is rel...

Dr. Li Wenhong reply Orthopedics
Dear Huang, Hello! In addition to the genetic factors that determine height, postnatal factors such as balanced nutrition, adequate rest, and appropriate exercise also play a significant role. Once the growth plates close, the bones will no longer grow. The timing of growth pla...

Can Hanging from a Bar Help Increase Height After Growth Plate Closure?

Hello, doctor. I am a high school sophomore. Recently, I had an X-ray of my growth plates, and the doctor said that my growth plates are almost fused, making it very difficult for me to grow taller. However, if I do pull-ups every day and supplement with protein, is there still a...

Dr. Chen Yongxue reply Orthopedics
Hello, the timing of growth plate closure varies for each bone. Generally, the bones related to height, primarily the femur and tibia in the lower limbs, have four growth plates. In males, these growth plates typically close around the age of 18, while in females, they close arou...