I have shin pain at various points up and down my left shin, runner of about 18-21 miles a week, have taken a week off and feel slight shoots of pain?

Shin splints/stress: Most likely shin splints but a stress fracture has to be considered. Consider a longer period of rest. Elliptical, bike, pool run, etc. In the interim.. Examine causes- overtraining, muscle imbalances, poor flexibility, poor gait mechanics, poor/old footwear. Shin splints can be treated with rest, ice, nsaids and correction of underlying problems. Stress fractures need a longer period of rest.

Rule outstress frx: Point tenderness can be a stress fracture impoerant to discern from shin splintspcp orrho eval bone scan.