Debunking rumors about children’s orthopedic diseases 4丨My child is shorter than his peers. Does that mean he won’t grow taller?

Rumor debunked: Every child grows at a different rate and timing, so there’s no need to be overly anxious.

Children's height development rules:

1. 0-3 years old is the first peak of height development, 0-1 years old increases by 25cm, 1-2 years old increases by 12cm, and 2-3 years old increases by 8cm.

2. From the age of 3 to before puberty, the height increases by 5-7cm each year.

3. Adolescence is the second peak period of height growth, with an increase of 8-12cm per year, lasting for 2-3 years.

In early adolescence, children's height growth will fluctuate greatly, so it is impossible to make a conclusion in advance. However, if a child's height is much different from that of his peers for a long time, and his annual height growth is less than 5cm, he needs to go to the hospital for a clear examination to see if there are pathological factors that affect his height growth.

Children's height growth depends on the secretion of growth hormone in the body. Appropriate exercise stimulation and deep sleep can help the secretion of growth hormone.

Therefore, in order to lay a good foundation for height growth, a reasonable diet, scientific and regular exercise, and adequate sleep are all crucial.

Author: Liu Huanhuan, attending physician, Henan Luoyang Orthopedic Hospital (Henan Orthopedic Hospital)

Expert review:

Mu Xiaohong, Director of Orthopedics Department, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Vice Chairman of Bone and Joint Rehabilitation Committee, Chinese Rehabilitation Medicine Association

Chen Jiang, Chief Physician of Orthopedics Department, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Member of Bone and Joint Rehabilitation Committee of Chinese Rehabilitation Medicine Association