Growth Plates and Height: A Guide for Parents - Orthopedics

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Understanding growth plates and their relationship to height is crucial for parents, especially when they are concerned about their child's growth trajectory. 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. Once these plates close, which typically occurs after puberty, further height increase is no longer possible.
In your case, your son is 16 years old and has already experienced the closure of his ankle growth plate, which suggests that he may have limited potential for further height increase. However, it is important to consider several factors regarding his growth and the use of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for height enhancement.

1. Continued Use of TCM: You mentioned that your son consumed a bone-strengthening herbal concoction for three months at ages 13 and 14. While TCM can be beneficial for overall health and may support growth during the active growth phase, its effectiveness in significantly increasing height after the growth plates have begun to close is limited. If you are considering continuing the herbal treatment, it is advisable to consult with a qualified TCM practitioner who can assess your son's current health status and provide tailored recommendations. It is essential to ensure that any herbal remedies are safe and appropriate for his age and condition.

2. Impact on Growth Plate Closure: There is no scientific evidence to suggest that drinking bone-strengthening herbal remedies will accelerate the closure of growth plates. Growth plate closure is primarily influenced by hormonal changes during puberty, particularly the increase in sex hormones such as testosterone and estrogen. While proper nutrition and health can support optimal growth, the timing of growth plate closure is largely predetermined by genetics and hormonal factors. Therefore, while TCM may support overall health, it is unlikely to have a direct impact on the timing of growth plate closure.

3. X-ray Examination: If your son’s growth plates have already closed, there may be little benefit in obtaining further X-rays of his hand or wrist. However, if you are seeking a comprehensive understanding of his growth potential, consulting with a pediatric endocrinologist or a specialist in growth disorders may be beneficial. They can provide insights into whether any further assessments are necessary based on his growth history and current height.

Regarding your concern about your child's height in comparison to yours and your husband's heights, it is essential to recognize that genetics plays a significant role in determining height. While both parents' heights can provide a general idea of potential height, many factors influence a child's final height, including nutrition, physical activity, and overall health during their growing years.
In summary, while your son may have limited potential for further height increase due to the closure of his growth plates, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and regular exercise, is still important for his overall well-being. If you have concerns about his growth or health, seeking advice from healthcare professionals, including pediatricians and specialists, can provide you with the best guidance tailored to your son's specific situation.