What it is
People with restricted growth usually have normal intelligence and life expectancy, but some conditions cause other health problems, such as with the spine, joints or breathing.
Care depends on the cause and may include growth hormone treatment, surgery for bone or joint problems, and regular checks with a specialist team.
Common signs
- Being much shorter than others of the same age
- Short arms and legs in some types
- Slow growth in childhood
- Bowed legs or a curved spine
- Delayed development of movement skills in babies
How it is usually diagnosed
- Measuring height and growth over time
- X-rays
- Hormone and genetic tests
Records worth keeping
Keeping these together makes each appointment easier, especially when you see a new doctor:
- Growth charts
- X-ray reports
- Genetic and hormone test results
- Specialist letters
Questions to ask your doctor
- What is causing the restricted growth?
- Would growth hormone treatment help?
- Which health checks are needed as my child grows?
When to get help right away
Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department if you have:
- Pauses in breathing during sleep, or new weakness or numbness in the arms or legs: get urgent help, call 112
This page is general information. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a doctor who knows your history. Medfold keeps your records organised; it does not interpret them.