Can You Still Grow Taller at 19? Insights on Height and Orthopedic Care

Regarding height!!

I am 19 years old and my height is about 167 cm.
My father is 159 cm and my mother is 156 cm.
My brother is about the same height as me.
I would like to grow about 10 cm more, reaching approximately 177 cm.
Will I stop growing after the growth plates close? I grew 29 cm during three years of playing basketball in middle school, but since high school until now, I've only grown about 5 to 7 cm.
Is there still a chance for me to grow taller if I continue playing basketball and drinking milk? Are growth hormones still effective at this age? Would increasing my intake of calcium and protein help? I have heard reports that acupuncture might be effective at my current age.
Many people suggest consulting an orthopedic doctor to check my physical condition.
Which type of doctor should I consult? In Kaohsiung, which clinic would be most helpful? What specific questions should I ask the orthopedic doctor? Thank you for your response.

Xiao Hua, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2005/08/20

Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics

1.
Based on the user's age, gender (female?), and the height of her parents, she is actually considered to be a well-developed female (5% taller than the average height of her parents).
2.
Females typically experience closure of their growth plates earlier, usually by the age of 22, after which they will almost cease to grow.
Therefore, it is recommended that the user continue to make efforts over the next three years (the most significant growth occurs during middle school).
3.
Engaging in sports such as basketball (high jumping) and pull-ups can be beneficial for growth, and maintaining a balanced diet is crucial.
It is important to avoid excessive fats, as they can negatively impact female hormone levels and subsequently reduce growth hormone levels.
Synthetic growth hormone is most effective for patients with growth hormone deficiencies.
It is also advised that the user go to bed early, as growth hormone is most active between 10 PM and 2 AM.
4.
The effectiveness of acupuncture is unclear, and regarding the assistance from outpatient services, it may not provide substantial help.
We apologize to the user for any inconvenience, as Director Shih Kuo-Cheng is currently abroad, and this response is provided by Dr.
Chou Li-Chih from our orthopedic department.
We appreciate your understanding.

Reply Date: 2005/08/20

More Info

At 19 years old, the potential for further height growth is largely dependent on whether your growth plates have closed. Growth plates, also known as epiphyseal plates, are areas of developing cartilage tissue located near the ends of long bones. These plates are responsible for bone growth during childhood and adolescence. In most individuals, growth plates typically close between the ages of 16 and 20, with males often experiencing closure later than females. If your growth plates have closed, it is unlikely that you will grow taller.

From your description, it seems you have experienced significant growth during your earlier years, particularly while playing basketball. This sport, along with a balanced diet rich in calcium and protein, can support healthy growth during the developmental years. However, once the growth plates are closed, nutritional intake and exercise will not contribute to further height increase.

Regarding your specific questions:
1. Growth Hormones: If your growth plates are still open, growth hormone can play a role in height increase. However, if they are closed, the effectiveness of growth hormone therapy diminishes significantly. It is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional to assess your growth plates through an X-ray.

2. Diet: Consuming calcium-rich foods (like dairy products) and protein can support overall health and bone density, but they will not increase height if the growth plates are closed. A balanced diet is essential for maintaining health, especially during your growth years.

3. Acupuncture: While some anecdotal evidence suggests that acupuncture may help with various health issues, there is limited scientific evidence to support its effectiveness in increasing height, especially after the growth plates have closed.

4. Consulting an Orthopedic Specialist: If you are considering consulting a doctor, it would be beneficial to see an orthopedic specialist who focuses on growth and development. In Kaohsiung, you can look for hospitals or clinics that have a reputable orthopedic department. When you visit, you should ask about your growth plate status, potential for further growth, and any other concerns you may have regarding your height.

5. Height Expectations: Given your family history and current height, aiming for an additional 10 cm may be unrealistic if your growth plates are closed. However, if they are still open, maintaining a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and a nutritious diet can support your growth potential.

In summary, while there may still be a small chance for height increase if your growth plates are not yet closed, the likelihood diminishes significantly as you approach your twenties. It is essential to consult with a healthcare professional to get a clear understanding of your growth potential and to discuss any concerns you may have regarding your height.

Similar Q&A

Can You Still Grow Taller After 19? Tips for Height Increase

Hello! I am 19 years old, 165 cm tall, and my parents are both under 160 cm tall. I've heard that it's true that you can't grow taller after the age of 20. I had an irregular lifestyle before, but I want to know if it's still possible for me to grow taller now...

Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics
At the age of nineteen, the growth plates in the bones have likely closed, and bone length increases primarily through the growth of these plates, so it is unlikely that further height increase will occur. However, engaging in exercise can enhance bone strength and muscle power, ...

Can a 19-Year-Old Girl Still Grow Taller? Orthopedic Insights

Since I reached the fourth grade, my height has been stuck at 158 cm, and I have been fluctuating between 160 cm and 158 cm. Recently, I measured my height (using the same device as before) and found that I am now over 1 cm taller (159.4 cm). My sister also mentioned that I look ...

Dr. Wang Shouji reply Orthopedics
Hello~ Generally speaking, once the growth plates have fused, the chances of increasing height are quite low. Posture issues can also affect height to some extent. A hunched back can certainly make a person appear shorter, and a variation of within one centimeter is considered ac...

Can I Still Grow Taller at 19? Understanding Height Growth Potential

Hello, doctor: I am currently 19 years old and attending university. My height has been consistently 161 cm. Do I still have a chance to grow taller?

Dr. Wang Shouji reply Orthopedics
Hello: If the growth plates in the knee have fused, the chances of further height increase are minimal.

Height Concerns: Can Lifestyle Choices Affect Growth at 19?

Doctor, I am 19 years old and will turn 20 soon. When I was in the first year of high school, I was 161 cm tall, but by the third year of junior high, I was only 166 cm. Now, I am probably only around 167 or 168 cm. I believe that irregular sleep patterns during junior high and h...

Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics
At the age of 19, there is no need for further imaging as the growth plates have already closed.