Question
How can one determine whether the key factor affecting height is age or bone age?
Answer
When assessing the potential for height growth, bone age is more accurate than chronological age in reflecting the closure of growth plates. If there is a significant discrepancy between bone age and chronological age, it is usually based on bone age to judge growth potential. Regarding past treatments and outcomes, if the case does not mention specific delays or accelerations in growth, it is recommended to further perform a skeletal survey to evaluate growth potential. In cases of severe calcium deficiency, bone age may be younger, which may be because calcium is an important nutrient for bone growth. Some people can still grow significantly in height at 23 years old, which may be because their bone age is smaller, indicating that their growth plates have not yet fully closed. However, to determine whether there is still potential for growth, a skeletal survey should be conducted. If the growth plates have already closed, the possibility of further growth will be significantly reduced. To promote height growth, consider engaging in the following activities:
- Suspension swings using a single bar or door frame.
- Jump and touch high points.
- Participate actively in ball games such as rebounding in basketball and jumping spikes in volleyball.
- Engage in jumping exercises such as single-leg jumps, frog jumps, multilevel jumps, and stationary jumps. In addition to activities, it is also important to maintain a balanced diet with adequate meat intake and good sleep quality.