No, bones do not grow taller after puberty. While bones undergo significant growth during childhood and adolescence, this lengthening ceases once the growth plates (epiphyseal plates) in the long bones fuse in early adulthood. However, bones do continue to change throughout life.
Bone Growth and Development
Bone growth in length occurs at the growth plates, which are areas of cartilage located near the ends of long bones. These plates allow for the addition of new bone tissue, leading to an increase in height. This process is similar to endochondral ossification, as described in the SEER Training module on Bone Development & Growth. https://training.seer.cancer.gov/anatomy/skeletal/growth.html Once these growth plates close, typically during puberty, longitudinal bone growth stops.
Bone Remodeling and Thickness
Even though bones stop lengthening, they continue to undergo remodeling throughout life. This involves the breakdown of old bone tissue and the formation of new bone tissue. This process, called appositional growth, leads to an increase in bone thickness and density. Several factors influence this process, including:
- Weight-bearing activities: Increased stress on bones from activities like weightlifting or running stimulates bone growth, making them thicker and stronger.
- Muscle activity: Stronger muscles place more stress on bones, promoting bone growth and density. https://elliottphysicaltherapy.com/5-ways-increase-height-strengthen-bones/
- Growth hormone: Although primarily affecting growth during childhood and adolescence, growth hormone can also contribute to increased bone density later in life. http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/growth-hormone It does this by influencing the release of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), which stimulates bone thickening and elongation, though primarily during the growth years. https://www.tga.gov.au/news/blog/too-much-good-thing-health-risks-human-growth-hormone
Growth Plate Fractures
Injuries to the growth plates (growth plate fractures) can significantly impact bone growth. These fractures, common in children, may result in bones that are shorter, longer, or crooked than normal. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/growth-plate-fractures/symptoms-causes/syc-20351979
In summary, while bones do not grow taller after puberty, they continue to remodel and increase in thickness throughout life. This process is influenced by various factors, including physical activity and hormonal influences.
