I have pain in one specific spot on my shin (just on the inside about 2/3 of the way down). there is an indentation there too. the pain worsens when running? subsides after days. does that sound like a shin splint or more likely a stress fracture?

Same treatment: The most likely causes are as you have said, Shin splints or stress fracture. The pain of a stress fracture is a deep, throbbing pain in comparison to pain of shin splints that is usually described as tight and dull ache. Treatment is the same. Rest, Lower impact types of activity (swim, bike) , NSAID medicines can reduce pain and swelling, ice, stretching and strengthening exercises .