Signs Your Growth Plates Are Closing – What You Need to Know
One of the most reliable ways to determine if your growth plates—also known as epiphyseal plates—are closing is through a medical X-ray, typically performed at a healthcare facility. While imaging provides definitive answers, certain physical and developmental changes can serve as indirect indicators that growth may be nearing its end. Recognizing these signs early can help teens and parents better understand physical development and set realistic expectations for future height gain.
Key Physical Signs That Growth May Be Slowing Down
Although only a doctor can confirm growth plate closure with certainty, several observable changes in the body often correlate with this stage of development. These are not diagnostic on their own but can signal that the body is transitioning out of its major growth phase.
1. Noticeable Slowdown or Halt in Height Increase
If a teenager's height has increased very little over the past year—or not at all in the last 12 to 24 months—it may suggest that the growth plates are beginning to close. During puberty, most adolescents experience a significant growth spurt, usually growing several inches per year. When this rapid increase stops and annual growth drops below one inch, it's often a strong sign that skeletal maturity is approaching.
2. Disappearance of Growth Pains
Many children and teens report dull, intermittent aches in their legs—commonly referred to as "growing pains"—during periods of rapid development. These discomforts typically occur in the evenings or at night and are thought to be linked to muscle fatigue and bone expansion. When these pains gradually fade away, it could indicate that the bones are no longer lengthening at a fast pace, which often precedes growth plate fusion.
3. Changes in Body Composition and Proportions
During peak growth years, many young people have a lean, somewhat awkward build—tall limbs, narrow shoulders, and minimal muscle definition. As growth slows, hormonal shifts (especially increases in testosterone in males and estrogen in females) promote muscle development and fat distribution changes. A more mature physique with increased muscle mass, broader shoulders or hips, and noticeable weight gain may signal that the body is maturing and growth plates are likely closing.
Age as a General Indicator
While age alone isn't a foolproof method for determining growth plate status, it does offer useful context. For most individuals, growth plates begin to fuse around ages 14–16 in girls and 16–18 in boys. By the time someone reaches age 20, the vast majority have fully closed growth plates, meaning natural height increase is no longer possible. Exceptions exist, particularly in late bloomers, but they are rare.
How to Confirm Growth Plate Closure: The Medical Approach
The gold standard for confirming whether growth plates are open or closed is an X-ray of the left hand and wrist. This non-invasive imaging technique allows doctors to assess bone age and monitor skeletal development with high accuracy. It's commonly used by pediatric endocrinologists when evaluating growth disorders or predicting final adult height.
If you're concerned about your child's growth pattern—or if a teen is anxious about reaching their full height potential—a visit to a healthcare provider for an X-ray evaluation can provide clarity and peace of mind. Early assessment ensures timely intervention if needed, especially in cases involving hormonal imbalances or nutritional deficiencies.
In summary, while changes like halted growth, fading growth pains, and shifting body composition can hint at growth plate closure, only medical imaging offers a definitive answer. Staying informed and proactive supports healthier development and realistic expectations during these critical years.