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Dr. Vonda Wright, MD

Bio

Dr. Vonda Wright, a Sharecare Editorial Advisory Board member and practicing Orthopaedic Surgeon, has gained national prominence as an expert in active aging. One of only a few female Orthopaedic surgeons in the country, she specializes in fitness and sports medicine and is the creator and director of the Performance and Research Initiative for Masters Athletes (PRIMA); a first of its kind medical and performance based program for recreational and elite athletes alike.  Frequently quoted by the popular press and prime time, TV Dr. Wright has published two books “Fitness After 40” and “Dr. Wright’s Guide to THRIVE: 4 steps to Body, Brains and Bliss” and created numerous training programs to maximize performance and minimize injury.  www.vondawright.com. Follow @DrVondaWright


An academic surgeon, Dr. Wright performs more than 250 musculoskeletal surgeries per year and her award winning basic science and clinical research has resulting in multiple grants, presentations and peer -reviewed publications.


An over 40 athlete herself, Vonda Wright was a competitive ballroom dancer and currently runs road races from the 5K distance up. She  recently joined her 70 year old father in the Pittsburgh Half Marathon, three Chicago marathons and recently crossed the 5k finish-line carrying her daughter.



Specialties:

Affiliation:

  • Director of the Performance and Research Initiative for Masters Athletes (PRIMA)

Location:

Activity

  • Vonda Wright, MD
    Vonda Wright, MD answered:
    When will I start to lose lean muscle mass?
    We lose lean muscle mass beginning around age 50. By age 80, we have lost 50 percent of our lean muscle mass. People who are sedentary lose 15 percent of their muscle mass each decade between ages 50 and 70, and 30 percent per decade after age 70.  Full Post
  • Vonda Wright, MD
    Vonda Wright, MD answered:
    When should I have arthroscopic surgery after torn meniscus?
    If your doctor tells you the type of meniscus tear you have can be repaired because it is within the red-red zone (the zone that actually has a good blood supply) they have it fixed. If your tear is outside this zone or degenerative in nature then surgery for a torn meniscus is most effective if...  Full Post
  • Vonda Wright, MD
    Vonda Wright, MD answered:
    How does aerobic exercise affect the respiratory system?
    During aerobic exercise, when you increase your activity level and work your large muscle groups, your muscles require more fuel. Oxygen is the raw material or fuel used to make muscle food, a substance called ATP (adenosine triphosphate, or adenosine-5'-triphosphate). When you exercise,...  Full Post
  • Vonda Wright, MD
    Vonda Wright, MD answered:
    What is sport psychology?
    Mental training, also known as sport psychology or performance enhancement, is similar to physical skills training in that the goal is to prepare athletes to consistently perform their best. While physical training focuses on teaching the body proper execution of skills, mental training focuses...  Full Post
  • Vonda Wright, MD
    Vonda Wright, MD answered:
    How can I improve my balance as I age?

    If you are fit and strong, you can have better balance than much younger sedentary people. There are many ways you can boost your balance.

    • Stay strong. Strengthening your buttocks, quadriceps, and hamstrings go a long way in improving balance.

    • Join a class. Tai chi, yoga, and pilates all

    ...  Full Post
  • Vonda Wright, MD
    Vonda Wright, MD answered:
    What kind of fats are healthy to eat?
    Good and healthy fats include monounsaturated and polyunsaturated Fats. Make the wise choice to eat monounsaturated fats. These plant-based fats decrease the risk of heart disease by reducing bad cholesterol levels, minimizing the feeling of hunger, and supporting memory. Olive oil has become...  Full Post
  • Vonda Wright, MD
    Vonda Wright, MD answered:
    What tips should I keep in mind while talking to my doctor?

    Orthopaedic surgeon Dr. Vonda Wright shares tips every patient should keep In mind while talking to their doctor. Watch Dr. Wright's video for information on how to get the most from your doctor visits.


     Full Post
  • Vonda Wright, MD
    Vonda Wright, MD answered:
    How can I find a good surgeon?

    Orthopaedic surgeon Dr. Vonda Wright shares tips on the best way to find a good surgeon. Watch Dr. Wright's video for information on how to find a great doctor.


     Full Post
  • Vonda Wright, MD
    Vonda Wright, MD answered:
    Why is it important to take notes during my doctor's visit?

    Orthopaedic surgeon Dr. Vonda Wright explains why it's important to take notes during your doctor's visit. Watch Dr. Wright's video for information on how to get the most from your time with your doctor.


     Full Post
  • Vonda Wright, MD
    Vonda Wright, MD answered:
    Why should I share my medical history with my doctors?

    Orthopaedic surgeon Dr. Vonda Wright explains why it's important to share your medical history with all of your doctors. Watch Dr. Wright's video for information on how to get the most from your doctor visits.


     Full Post
  • Vonda Wright, MD
    Vonda Wright, MD answered:
    What exercises can I do to strengthen my lower body?
    Here are some examples of exercises for your lower body:

    Prisoner Squat: Quads, core, butt, legs
    1. Engage your core and stand with your feet shoulder-width apart.
    2. Hold your arms straight out in front of your shoulders.
    3. Lower your body until your butt is parallel to your knees by pushing your
    ...  Full Post
  • Vonda Wright, MD
    Vonda Wright, MD answered:
    What are the benefits of exercising with friends and family?
    Exercising in groups of friends or family is actually better for your brain. Your neurons really get fired up when you add social contact to exercise. Research out of Princeton University found that when animals getting off the couch for the first time (figuratively, of course) are exercised...  Full Post
  • Vonda Wright, MD
    Vonda Wright, MD answered:
    What is a meniscus?

    The menisci are the weight bearing surfaces of the knee.  Each knee has 2, a nearly circular lateral meniscus and a C-shaped medial meniscus.  They are attached to the top of the tibia (shin bone) and pad the end of the femur.

    The meniscus are composed of rope-like bands of collagen and absorb 80% of

    ...  Full Post
  • Vonda Wright, MD
    Vonda Wright, MD answered:
    What is compartment syndrome?
    Compartment syndrome is a potentially serious medical condition. In many parts of the body, muscles (along with the nerves and blood vessels that run alongside and through them) are enclosed in a compartment formed of a tough membrane called fascia. When muscles become swollen, they can...  Full Post
  • Vonda Wright, MD
    Vonda Wright, MD answered:
    How is carpal tunnel syndrome diagnosed?
    Carpal tunnel syndrome involves compression of a nerve, called the median nerve, as it travels through the wrist.  Diagnosis is based on a combination of patient history, physical exam and nerve testing.  Typical symptoms include numbness and tingling  in the thumb, index and middle fingers.  More severe forms include weakness...  Full Post