Can you grow taller at 20, just feels like my bone age is still young because I haven't grown taller past 14 years age

1. Why most people stop getting taller in their late teens

Long bones lengthen at growth plates — cartilage regions that harden and fuse under the influence of sex hormones and growth factors — and once those plates fuse linear growth stops; population averages put most girls finishing in mid‑teens and most boys by about 17–21, so for the vast majority height is fixed by age 20–21 ^{[1] [2] [5]}.

2. The exceptions: delayed bone maturation, hormones and rare conditions

Exceptions exist: some people are “late bloomers” whose growth plates remain open into the early 20s, and endocrine disorders (too little or too much growth hormone, or disorders of puberty timing) can delay or prolong growth — which is why clinicians sometimes see ongoing height change into the early 20s or when pathology like gigantism is present ^{[6] [7] [8]}.

3. Bone age matters more than chronological age for assessing growth potential

A radiographic bone‑age assessment (usually wrist/hand X‑ray) measures skeletal maturity and predicts whether growth plates are still active; a bone age substantially younger than chronological age can indicate remaining growth potential, whereas a bone age that matches or exceeds calendar age argues against further natural height gain ^{[4] [9]}.

4. What the evidence says about growing after 20

Multiple medical overviews and clinics advise that growth after age 20 is unlikely for most people because epiphyseal fusion has usually occurred, though a slim minority may grow into the early 20s; therefore the statistical reality is low probability but not absolute impossibility, and published guidance recommends testing rather than guessing ^{[1] [2] [3] [6]}.

5. When to see a specialist and what they can do

An endocrinologist can order bone‑age X‑rays and hormone tests (eg, IGF‑1, sex hormones) to determine if growth plates are still open or if a treatable hormonal deficiency affected adolescent growth; if plates are closed, further natural height increase is essentially impossible — the medical options then are cosmetic/orthopedic (posture, footwear) or, in extreme cases, surgical limb lengthening, which is complex and invasive ^{[7] [4] [10]}.

6. Practical steps if concern about “stunted” growth since age 14

If skeletal maturity seems delayed to the person, the immediate, evidence‑based steps are: get a bone‑age X‑ray and endocrine evaluation to document whether growth plates remain open; if they are closed, focus shifts to posture, core strengthening and appearance strategies to maximize perceived height rather than chasing biological lengthening ^{[9] [11]}.

7. Hidden agendas and cautious interpretation of online claims

Online forums and some pop‑health articles tout stretching, supplements, or late growth spurts without citing diagnostic bone‑age or hormonal data; the scientific literature and clinical guidelines emphasize measurable skeletal maturity and endocrine testing — not anecdote — and some industry sources promote surgical or product solutions that carry financial incentives, making objective medical testing essential before any intervention ^{[12] [10] [11]}.

8. Bottom line for someone who stopped growing at 14 but is now 20

Statistically and biologically, significant natural height gain at 20 is unlikely because growth plates usually fuse well before that age, but a small fraction of people retain delayed bone maturation — only a bone‑age X‑ray and endocrinologic workup can confirm whether further growth is possible; if plates are fused, the realistic path is maximizing posture and appearance or, if considering drastic measures, consulting specialists about risks and benefits of surgical options ^{[1] [4] [10] [11]}.