tendonitis?

  I do a lot of research on the computer and my left hand is feeling strange
  recently. A tingley ache runs from the joint of my pinky on up the side
  of my hand. Should I take a vacation from the computer? Should I be worried?
  My keyboard isn't all that high, and I have a good chair.
=========================================================================
Thanks for your question.  The symptom that you are describing - "tingling"
along the outer surface of your fifth digit - could very well be caused
by a minor compression of your ulnar nerve around the elbow.
Do you work at your computer keyboard with your elbows resting/propped
on top of the desk?  If so, you could be compressing your ulnar nerve by
two separate mechanisms: a) direct compression of the nerve on the hard
surface of the desk/table; b) compression of the nerve by the fibrous
tissues around the elbow joint, which are more tense when the elbow is
bent.  As you probably know, the correct way of typing at a keyboard is to
NOT have your elbow resting on the desk, and also having your elbow only
slightly bent (they don't/shouldn't be completely straight, either).
More importantly, take regular breaks; preferably every 30 minutes.
I hope this information is helpful.
This information is provided for general medical education purposes only.
Please consult your doctor regarding diagnostic and treatment options.