The present invention provides fibroblast growth factor variants demonstrating enhanced receptor subtype specificity and/or affinity. Preferred embodiments include both variants having enhanced activity that act as improved agonists and variants having reduced activity that act as antagonists. Methods of utilizing preferred FGF variants in preparation of medicaments for the treatment of skeletal disorders including skeletal dysplasia, osteoporosis and enhancing bone fracture healing and cartilage healing processes are provided.