Restricted growth (dwarfism)
Overview
Restricted growth, also called dwarfism or short stature, is when you are shorter than most people. It has many different causes. Treatment depends on what's causing it.
Symptoms
The main symptom of restricted growth is being short. It's sometimes defined as being less than 147 centimetres (4 feet 10 inches) tall as an adult. Restricted growth can be: proportionate, where your arms and legs are the expected size compared to the rest of your bodydisproportionate, where parts of your body grow differently (for example, having short arms and legs compared to the rest of your body) Symptoms of restricted growth might be noticed when a baby is born, or later when a child is not growing as expected for their age. You or your child may also have other symptoms, depending on what's causing the restricted growth.
Causes
Restricted growth is usually genetic, meaning it is caused by the genes passed on from your parents. This can just be because your parents are short themselves, or because of a genetic condition. Restricted growth can also be caused by hormone deficiencies or poor diet (malnutrition). Causes of restricted growth include: a lack of the hormone that controls growth (growth hormone deficiency)rare genetic conditions such asTurner syndrome,Noonan syndromeandPrader-Willi syndromeproblems affecting bone development (skeletal dysplasias), such as achondroplasia
Treatment
The main treatment for restricted growth is growth hormone medicine. Surgery to increase the length of your arms or legs is sometimes done, but this is rare. You may also need treatment for other symptoms of your condition. If you have a skeletal dysplasia such as achondroplasia, treatment usually aims to relieve any other symptoms you have, rather than increase your height. Treatments you may need include: physiotherapyfor problems with movement and painorthodonticsfor problems with your teethtreatment forear infectionsandsleep apnoeasurgery, for example to straighten bowed legs, or to straighten or reduce pressure on your spine