Conditions
Dwarfism
Achondroplasia is the most common form of dwarfism. The term dwarfism can refer to anybody whose stature falls below the normal height ranges of the population, which in the UK means people who are shorter than 4ft 10in. DSS stands for disproportionate short stature and people with achondroplasia can be described as having DSS, as characteristics of the condition include shortened limbs, which are not proportionate to the main torso of the body. Other features can include bowed legs and back problems, such as curvature of the spine. Most people with DSS will be between 3ft 6in and 4ft 6in as adults. Having achondroplasia will inevitably affect day-to-day lifestyle, however it is unlikely to be as debilitating as some people may think.
Achondroplasia is caused by a genetic mutation that prevents bones and cartilage developing properly. It is often diagnosed at birth. Many people with achondroplasia are born to average height parents, although there is a possibility that the condition will pass on to children. There can be associated medical problems for people with DSS, therefore regular health check ups are advisable. Should someone with achondroplasia wish to be taller, leg-lengthening treatment can be undertaken, however this is a fairly risky and lengthy procedure that involves breaking bones.
People with restricted growth can instead fall into the PSS category, or proportionate short stature. Generally, people with PSS will grow very slowly, often due to problems with the pituitary gland. For females, restricted growth can be a characteristic of Turner Syndrome. For both adults and children with PSS, hormone treatment is often necessary if their full height is to exceed 5ft.
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Is there a hormone pill or something you can do/take, to help you grow more?
Asked on 13 Mar 2012 13:43 by Jess
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Im a 17 year old girl and i'm only 5ft. I hate being this height, as no one sees me as an adult, and i'm always having to be i.d which is very annoying when out with my friends... being this height at my age is very frustrating, and most of my family are at average height or above. I've never had a growth spurt and i know you can normally keep growing till the age of 21, so i was wondering if there was anything i could do, to grow some more, if there were hormone pill or something i could take. Thanks!
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dear sir or madam please could you help me i would like to talk to one the doctors about my condition or come to clinic for advise thank you please reply
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I am a teenager and i have bow legs. i hate it, i hate wearing shorts/skirts and feel really uncomfortable,. i want to be able to wear skirts/shorts without worrying. any suggestions on how to get rid of bow legs or at least reduce the bow?
Asked on 13 May 2011 18:32 by Polly
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hey, i have a condition called branchymetatarsia (google it if you must) wich basicaly means shortness of a metatarsle in your foot making one or more of your toes shorter than all the others. it commenly effects both feet but in my case i have a short 4th toe on my left foot that rises above all the others. i have had this condition since i was about 8yrs old when that toe stopped growing and i am now 14- the toe itself is one inch long and my 'pinkey toe' is 1.5 inches long...this is really embarrasing and i was hoping for this site to add it to the list of conditions so others can learn about this rare case :)
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i have a achondroplaisa male 4 ft 7 in 50 years young . resently came back from mexico if i walk say about 50 so yards have crap and both shins really give me pain cant really exercise with my codition much going to lose few pounds . is there anything else you would surjest please please reply
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