QUERIES (CLINICAL)

07/28/2010     

Query: Foot Size as a Growth Indicator?

Having coached various youth sports over the last 15 years there is one question that parents ask that I cannot answer accurately. "How tall will my child grow?" My answer is always vague and based on the parents’ height, and also on whether the growth plates appear to be closing. However, I have seen height prediction equations based on many variables. I am sure there must be a reliable predictor of adult height based on foot size and growth plates. Any help will be appreciated.

Bill Zaccardelli, DPM,  Cleveland, OH