Can I Still Grow Taller at 14? Height Potential - Orthopedics

Dr. Huang Longde reply Orthopedics

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Human height can continue to grow until a certain age, which is related to the timing of physical development.
For girls, the period of fastest growth, known as the "growth spurt," occurs from the onset of secondary sexual characteristics (such as breast development) until the first menstrual period.
After this, there is still about two to three years of growth, but the rate of height increase slows down each year until the bones are fully matured, reaching adult height.
To determine if further growth is possible, one can estimate based on the age of menarche and the height gained during the subsequent two years.
Height growth is a result of bone growth, where the ends of long bones in children have active growth cartilage (plates).
As the body matures, these plates eventually fuse and stop growing.
Therefore, endocrinologists often use X-rays of the left hand to assess "bone age" in children and adolescents.
A bone age that exceeds chronological age indicates early development, leading to an earlier attainment of adult height; conversely, a bone age that lags behind chronological age suggests later development and a delayed achievement of adult height.

According to current medical knowledge, bones that have matured (i.e., plates have fused) cannot be stimulated to grow further through any medication or other means.
Even in cases of brain tumors that secrete excessive growth hormone, adults only experience acromegaly (enlargement of hands and feet) rather than increased height.
Therefore, it is advised that readers do not waste money on various remedies.
Engaging in exercise and consuming adequate calcium can enhance bone density and promote a healthy physique, so one should not abandon these good habits simply because they have stopped growing taller.

If one truly wishes to increase height, how can this be done economically, cheaply, and effectively? Experts from the U.S.
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) offer three recommendations: understand family genetic traits, balance diet and exercise, and seek direct treatment at a hospital.
Height is fundamentally determined by the human skeletal structure; if bone growth is healthy, a tall and strong physique will naturally result.
While family genetics play a role in determining height, personal effort is even more crucial.
Thus, consuming "height-increasing foods" and engaging in "height-increasing exercises" can certainly help achieve a height of 180 cm.

Moreover, physical constitution and psychological factors can also influence height.
Therefore, individuals who are shorter should seek a thorough examination from a physician as soon as possible to identify any potential underlying causes or psychological issues affecting their development.
Efforts to increase height should be divided into two phases.
Before the onset of secondary sexual characteristics (such as voice change in boys and menarche in girls), it is possible to modify one's physical constitution.
If one becomes aware of height concerns after the age of 20, improvements must be made through exercise and posture adjustments.

According to the FDA, the most essential nutrients for height increase are calcium, vitamin D, vitamin A, vitamin C, magnesium, zinc, and protein.
These nutrients must be consumed together to promote growth; taking them separately may diminish their effectiveness and could even lead to side effects from excessive intake.
Therefore, experts recommend that regardless of age, anyone wishing to grow taller should adhere to a balanced diet, consume foods from six major food groups, and add a serving of dairy, a multivitamin, and plenty of fruits and vegetables daily.

The FDA also emphasizes that exercise is the most effective method to stimulate growth.
The forces exerted on the body during exercise can promote bone growth.
Activities that involve jumping or bouncing are particularly beneficial for height increase.
Favorable exercises include basketball, jumping rope, swimming, high jumping, and dancing.
For those who do not wish to exercise, opportunities to take the stairs, go for walks, engage in outdoor activities, do household chores, or walk the dog should be taken, as physical activity is essential for height development.

Many people are concerned about the effectiveness of height-increasing machines and growth hormone treatments.
From the perspective of orthopedic and rehabilitation physicians, height-increasing machines force the naturally S-shaped spine to straighten, which can cause joint damage, so they should not be attempted recklessly.
From the standpoint of metabolic and endocrine specialists, growth hormone therapy must be conducted with caution and under the supervision of a physician and pharmacist, as unsupervised use can lead to unexpected side effects.
Therefore, over-the-counter medications should not be taken casually.
The fundamental approach to growing taller is to consume proper nutrition, engage in regular exercise, and consult with physicians and pharmacists whenever issues arise.

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Reply Date: 2002/05/28