Joe Biden fractures foot while playing with his dog

US President-elect is likely to need a protective boot for the next few weeks

US President-elect Joe Biden injured his foot while playing with Major, a German shepherd he adopted in 2018. AP

US President-elect Joe Biden fractured his right foot while playing with one of his dogs and may have to wear a boot for several weeks.

Mr Biden suffered the injury on Saturday and visited an orthopaedist in Newark, Delaware, on Sunday afternoon, his office said.

“Initial X-rays did not show any obvious fracture”, but medical staff ordered a more detailed CT scan, Mr Biden's doctor, Kevin O’Connor, said.

The subsequent scan found tiny fractures of two small bones in the middle of his right foot.

“It is anticipated that he will likely require a walking boot for several weeks,” Dr O’Connor said.

Mr Biden was limping as he left the doctor's office to head to an imaging centre for his CT scan, although he walked without a crutch or other aid.

Mr Biden sustained the injury while playing with Major, one of the Bidens’ two dogs.

They adopted Major in 2018 and acquired their first dog, Champ, after the 2008 election.

The Bidens said they would be bringing their dogs to the White House and also planned to get a cat.

Fractures are a concern generally as people age, but Mr Biden's injury appears to be relatively mild based on his doctor's statement and the planned treatment.

At 78, Mr Biden will become the oldest president when he is inaugurated in January. He often dismissed questions about his age during the election campaign.

Last December he released a doctor's report that disclosed he takes a statin to keep his cholesterol at healthy levels, but his doctor described him as “healthy, vigorous” and “fit to successfully execute the duties of the presidency".