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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:
    How do people get vitamin D?
    Vitamin D is present in oily fish, eggs, and dairy products in variable amounts. It is not found in plant foods. However, vegans can obtain vitamin D from vegetable margarines, some soy milks, and certain other foods that are fortified with the vitamin. Vitamin D is also synthesized by...  Full Post
  • Vonda Wright, MD
    Vonda Wright, MD answered:
    How much carbohydrate should I consume?
    The recommended intake is a minimum of 130 grams/day, or 45 -- 65 percent of daily calories for adults, independent of age or activity level. This is the minimum needed for your brain to function. Athletes are recommended to consume 6 -- 10 grams for every kilogram of body weight per day....  Full Post
  • Vonda Wright, MD
    Vonda Wright, MD answered:
    What foods are low on the glycemic index?
    The Glycemic Index is a measure of the effect of carbohydrates on blood glucose levels and insulin production.

    Low glycemic index foods include: milk, yogurt, rice bran, lentils, apricots, multigrain bread, citrus fruits, apples, tomatoes, pears, plums, beans, tomato juice, chickpeas, bran...  Full Post
  • Vonda Wright, MD
    Vonda Wright, MD answered:
    How do I get enough calcium if I am a vegetarian?
    Low calcium intake has been associated with an increased risk of stress fractures and low bone density, particularly in female athletes who are not menstruating. The major source of calcium in Western diets is generally milk and dairy products. Vegans can obtain adequate calcium from plant...  Full Post
  • Vonda Wright, MD
    Vonda Wright, MD answered:
    How should I hydrate my body when exercising?
    Hydration is meant to prevent or minimize dehydration during exercise. For exercise that lasts less than one hour, water is hydration enough. There is no evidence that you need carb drinks if you are going to exercise less than one hour. When exercising one hour or more, carbohydrate drinks...  Full Post
  • Vonda Wright, MD
    Vonda Wright, MD answered:
    What nutrients help improve brain health?
    Socked away from the rest of the body in its high and mighty position, the brain is in charge of everything we do. It deserves all the special attention we can give it. Just as exercise can improve brain function and growth, nutrition is key for both brains and bliss! The following nutrients...  Full Post
  • Vonda Wright, MD
    Vonda Wright, MD answered:
    How can consuming simple sugars affect my eating habits?
    Easily digestible foods containing high levels of simple sugars cause a rapid spike in circulating blood sugar. This signals the pancreas to release insulin in order to absorb the glucose. This works well unless the pancreas overshoots insulin secretion, which it commonly does, providing...  Full Post
  • Vonda Wright, MD
    Vonda Wright, MD answered:
    What are the symptoms of arthritis of the knee?

    The ends of our bones are covered by a glossy, smoother-than-glass lining called cartilage. The wear and tear or erosion of this lining is the definition of "arthritis" (imagine the pot-holes in a road at the end of winter). Cartilage is normally responsible for cushioning the bones from the load

    ...  Full Post
  • Vonda Wright, MD
    Vonda Wright, MD answered:
    How can I create an aerobic circuit workout?
    Doing the same aerobic workout every day can get really boring, whether you are on the road, the treadmill, or on a bike. Why not throw in an aerobic circuit once in a while? This takes a little logistical planning, but it is fun and intense.
    1. In your health club or home gym, identify the
    ...  Full Post
  • Vonda Wright, MD
    Vonda Wright, MD answered:
    How does exercise affect my brain?
    Research published in 2003 by the Georgia Institute of Technology found that the sense of well-being, stress reduction, pain relief, and even that "floaty" feeling post-exercise was due to the release of molecules called endocannabinoids. These molecules, made by the exercising body, act...  Full Post
  • Vonda Wright, MD
    Vonda Wright, MD answered:
    What can cause knee swelling?
    The common causes of chronic knee swelling are arthritis and chronic meniscus tear. Acute knee swelling is due to meniscus tear, ACL/PCL tear or fracture.  Full Post
  • Vonda Wright, MD
    Vonda Wright, MD answered:
    How is hip bursitis treated?

    Hip bursitis is also called iliotibial band syndrome (ITB).  It is caused by muscle imbalance in the pelvis and especially weakness in the gluteus medius (butt) muscle.  This weakness causes tightening of the tensor fascia lata and ITB.  The tightness causes a "friction" rub over the greater troch

    ...  Full Post
  • Vonda Wright, MD
    Vonda Wright, MD answered:
    How can I control my daily calorie intake?
    Calories may be sneaking into your body when you are not watching. A good way to take control of your intake is to find out what you really do eat every day. It is easy for extra calories to sneak in when we are not consciously keeping track. Pay attention and take action in what you eat...  Full Post
  • Vonda Wright, MD
    Vonda Wright, MD answered:
    How can I eat fewer calories?
    Here are some tips to reduce calorie intake:

    1. Eat breakfast with protein. It makes you feel full longer.

    2. Don't drown your food in oil, whether it's fried or sautéed.

    3. Substitute sugar with fruit or sweeteners. Cooking with brown sugar adds 547 calories per cup versus substituting a...  Full Post
  • Vonda Wright, MD
    Vonda Wright, MD answered:
    What exercises can I do to strengthen my upper body?
    Here are some exercises for your upper body:

    Push-Ups: Chest, biceps, triceps, core
    1. Get down on your hands and toes with your hands a little wider than your shoulders. Legs are straight, core is engaged, and butt is tight. Your body is a straight line from shoulders to toes.
    2. Lower your body
    ...  Full Post